There are many different kinds of avalanches. All cause a threat to backcountry traveler. Although asphyxiation is the number one cause of death in avalanche fatalities, trauma  causes a significant number of deaths too. 

Different avalanches require different amounts of force to be released. Similarly individual avalanches contain more or less energy. 

Slab

Slab avalanches occur when a slab is formed, from a recent storm or wind event, on top of a weaker layer. Once the weak layer can no longer support the weight of the slab, the weak layer collapses causing the slab to slide down a decline.

dry

Dry loose avalanches, or sluffs, are a result of dry unconsolidated snow on the surface of a snowpack. These avalanches usually start at a point and gain mass as they move down the slope. They are usually found on steeper slopes.  

wet

Wet loose avalanches are similar to dry loose avalanches. When an aspect gets a lot of sun throughout the day the surface snow begins to warm up and become slushy. A single point trigger can cause these avalanches to run a great distance because they are heavier.