What forms of energy are involved when snow on a mountain breaks loose, resulting in an avalanche?

During an avalanche, potential energy of the snow on the mountain is converted to kinetic energy as the snow cascades down. The conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy is due to the compacted atoms in the snow which will accumulate other snow resulting to a bigger snow that causes avalanche.

The density of water is 1 g/cm cubed and in order for the pebble to sink its density has to be greater than the density of water and in order for the twig to float its density has to be less than the density of water