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Terrain Factor & Observations

Complex Terrain & Terrain Trap Examples

7Key Snow Stability Observations

What do these diagrams mean?

These show the snow stability observations which the avalanche forecaster considers most important and are included in the online avalanche information reports.

So if any of these are highlighted in the avalanche forecast, it is important that you read the reports carefully to establish where the hazard lies. It is also vital that you look for these signs yourself while travelling in the winter mountains.

Complex Terrain & Terrain Trap Examples

8Avalanche Hazard & Travel Advice Table

Hazard Table	Hazard Description and travel advice
Very High	Widespread natural avalanches will occur – and a single person load will trigger an avalanche on most slopes. Good visibility and route-finding in mountain terrain is essential, as is experience in avalanche hazard evaluation. You should be aware of – and avoid – runout zones at low altitudes, while it’s vital that you manage your group carefully and use mountain features (e.g., ridges and protected slopes) to travel safely.
High	Natural avalanches will occur – and a single person load will trigger an avalanche on some slopes. Good visibility and route-finding in mountain terrain is essential, as is experience in avalanche hazard evaluation. You should be aware of – and avoid – runout zones at low altitudes, while it’s vital that you manage your group carefully and use mountain features (e.g., ridges and protected slopes) to travel safely.
Considerable	Natural avalanches may occur – and a single person load is likely to trigger an avalanche on some slopes. Good visibility and route-finding in mountain terrain is important, as is experience in avalanche hazard evaluation. It’s vital that you manage your group carefully and use mountain features (e.g., ridges and protected slopes) to travel safely.
Moderate	Human-triggered avalanches are possible, so good visibility and good route selection is important, especially in steep locations as indicated in the reports. You should manage your group carefully, keeping good spacing between people to reduce loading on slopes, while using mountain features (e.g., ridges and protected slopes) to travel safely. Low
Low	Human-triggered avalanches not likely. Generally safe travel conditions.