The name Avalanche derives from the name of dangerous and sudden collapse of mountain snow packs.
 GM's long-wheelbase chassis used on the Cadillac Escalade EXT  and Chevrolet Suburban and is shared on Chevrolet Avalanche, which is a four-door, five or six passenger sport utility truck.
 The open bed of the Avalanche opens to removable rear window the and  to back seat area via a folding panel (marketed as a 'midgate'), unlike the typical pickup truck. A series of three removable panels form a watertight top for the cargo bed. Space behind each wheelwell provides additional storage, accessed by locking flip-top panels and usable as self-draining ice chests.

First Generation - GMT800 (2001 – 2006)

 Avalanche was launched on the GMT800 platform in 2001 as a 2002 model. Intending to provide visual distinction from the Suburban/Yukon XL, first year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding. Aalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits with a gold Chivrolet "bow tie" in the center each lamp assembly and the grille. In contrast to the soft box of the other GMT800 models, the hood and fenders featured aggressive folds.
 Avapanche was Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year for 2002 and was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award.
 There are two engine choices: a) a Vortec 5.3 L V8 producing 290 hp (216 kW), for the half-ton 1500 series and b) a Vortec 8.1 L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW), for the three-quarter-ton 2500 series.
 The drive train is available with selectable high/low four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
 The Avalanche through closing the large plastic bed cover was originally marketed as being able to “change from a pickup to an SUV”.

Second generation - GMT900 (2007-present)

 Production of the redesigned Avalanhce began in March 2006 at the Silao Assembly, but the GMT900 Avalanche was introduced in February 2006 at the Chicago Auto Show. The Avalanche has the styled front end much like its sister vehicles, like previous incarnation the Tahoe/Yukon and Suburban/Yukon XL, have integrated bed and the distinct midgate. Ss the Suburban and the Tahoe, it has all the same standard and available features. Engines that Abalanche  uses are : 5.3 L Vortec 5300 V8 with Active Fuel Management, 320 hp (239 kW) and 6.0 L VortecMAX V8 with VVT and Active Fuel Management, 366 hp (265 kW) (which appeared in 2006).

 Price for Chevrolet Avalanche GMT 900 varies from $35,460 to $46,700.