 |
Danger
Level
(& Color) |
Avalanche
Probability and Avalanche Trigger |
Degree
and Distribution of Avalanche Danger |
Recommended
Action
in the Backcountry |
| ...WHAT...
|
...WHY... |
...WHERE... |
...WHAT TO DO... |
(GREEN) |
Natural avalanches very
unlikely. Human triggered avalanches unlikely |
Generally stable snow. Isolated
areas of instability. |
Travel is generally safe.
Normal caution is advised. |
(YELLOW)
|
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches possible. |
Unstable slabs possible
on steep terrain. |
Use caution in steeper terrain
on certain aspects (defined in accompanying statement). |
(ORANGE)
|
Natural avalanches possible.
Human triggered avalanches probable. |
Unstable slabs probable
on steep terrain. |
Be increasingly cautious
in steeper terrain. |
(RED) |
Natural and human triggered
avalanches likely. |
Unstable slabs likely on
a variety of aspects and slope angles. |
Travel in avalanche terrain
is not recommended. Safest travel on windward ridges of lower
angle slopes without steeper terrain above. |
(BLACK) |
Widespread
natural or human triggered avalanches certain. |
Extremely
unstable slabs certain on most aspects and slope angles. Large,
destructive avalanches possible. |
Travel
in avalanche terrain should be avoided and travel confined to
low angle terrain well away from avalanche path run-outs. |
| |
 |
Avalanches don't happen by accident,
and most human involvement is a matter of choice, not chance.
Most avalanche accidents are caused by slab avalanches which
are triggered by the victim or a member of the victim's party.
However, any avalanche may cause injury or death and even small
slides may be dangerous. Hence, always practice safe route finding
skills, be aware of changing conditions, and carry avalanche
rescue gear. Learn and apply avalanche terrain analysis and
snow stability evaluation techniques to help minimize your risk.
Remember that avalanche danger rating levels are only general
guidelines. Distinctions between geographic areas, elevations,
slope aspects and slope angles are approximate and transition
zones between dangers exist. No matter what the current avalanche
danger there are avalanche-safe areas in the mountains.
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