The Three A's of Avalanche TerrainAngle Aspect and Altitude Key Components of Snow Slopes That Slide
An understanding of avalanche terrain is one step towards hikers, climbers and ski tourers developing decision making skills for safe travel in the backcountry.
An important aspect of Avalanche Hazard Management, as safe snow travel is known in the industry, is preparation. On any planned backcountry itinerary, the three terrain factors - angle, aspect and altitude can tell you whether a given slope is likely to produce an avalanche. This is information that can be gleaned in advance in the comfort of a living room - from a topographic map. Angle of Snow SlopeThe main determinant of whether a slope can avalanche is its angle.
For skiers, snow mobilers, hikers, all mountain enthusiasts alike; always be aware of what is above the path of intended travel. All the snow on a slope is connected. While avalanches don't usually initiate on slopes of less than 25 degrees they can still be triggered from below on a low angle slope. It's important to avoid standing in a potential run-out zone, the end of an avalanche path where the snow and debris piles up. Aspect of Slope to Wind and SunAspect refers to a slope's orientation to the wind and the sun.
Altitude of Snow Slope
There are various resources at the disposal of back country enthusiasts for ascertaining snow conditions and avalanche hazard. These include avalanche bulletins, weather reports and topographic maps on which one can mark out a proposed skiing, hiking or climbing route and get an idea of the terrain to be encountered. Related ArticlesWhat To Do if a Friend is Buried in an Avalanche What To Do If Caught in an Avalanche
The copyright of the article The Three A's of Avalanche Terrain in Winter Sports is owned by Lisa Auer. Permission to republish The Three A's of Avalanche Terrain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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