Is avalanche a hazard or disaster?

Could you please clarify for me, is an avalanche considered a mere hazard or a full-fledged disaster? I'm seeking a deeper understanding of the terminology involved here. When we talk about avalanches, are we referring to a potential risk that could lead to significant harm, or are we describing an event that has already caused widespread destruction and loss of life? This distinction seems crucial in assessing risk and devising appropriate safety measures. Could you elaborate on this point?