Which type of avalanche is characterized by loose snow?

Loose snow avalanches are specifically characterized by a mass of loose, unconsolidated snow that becomes unstable and breaks away from a slope. This type of avalanche typically occurs when fluffy snow layers accumulate on steep terrain, and when this loose snow becomes too heavy or saturates due to warming or other conditions, it can trigger a flow of snow down the slope. The dynamics of a loose snow avalanche involve a significant amount of air within the avalanche, which allows the snow particles to spread apart as they move, creating a characteristic cloud of snow that can engulf everything in its path.

In this context, the other types of avalanches do not fit the description of being primarily composed of loose snow. Slab avalanches involve cohesive layers of snow that fracture and slide down together, while wet slide avalanches contain heavier, wetter snow that may be more consolidated and slushy. Dry flow avalanches, although they may contain powder snow, typically refer to dry snow that has been compacted and can create more of a slab-like effect rather than the loose, unconsolidated nature described. Thus, the clear identification of a loose snow avalanche emphasizes its unique behavior and formation processes compared to the other types listed.