European Avalanche Danger Scale
Be aware of avalanche danger in the mountain. Below you can study the European Avalanche Danger Scale.
| Danger level |
Snowpack stability |
Avalanche triggering probability |
1
Low |
The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable |
Triggering is generally possible only with high additional loads** on few locations in steep extreme terrain. Only natural sluffs and small avalanches are possible. |
2
Moderate |
The snowpack is only moderate well bonded on some steep slopes*, otherwise it is generally well bonded. |
Triggering is possible, particulary through high additional loads**, mainly on steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural avalanches are not expected. |
3
Considerable |
The snowpack is moderately to weakly binded on many steep slopes*. |
Triggering is possible, even through low additional loads** mainly on steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. In certain conditions, some medium and occasionally large natural avalanches are possible. |
4
High |
The snowpack is weakly bonded on most steep slopes*. |
Triggering is probable even through low additional loads** on many steep slopes. In certain conditions, many medium and multiple large natural avalanches are expected. |
5
Very high |
The snowpack is generally weakly bonded and largely unstable. |
Many large natural avalanches are expected, even in moderately steep terrain. |
Information:
* genreally explained in greater detail in Avalanche Bulletin (e.g. altitude zone, aspect, type of terrain).
→ moderately steep terrain: slopes flatter than about 30 degrees
→ steep slopes: slopes with an angle of more than abouut 30 degrees
→ extreme slopes: those which are particulary unfavourable as regards slope angle (usually steeper that about 40 degrees), terrain profile, proximity to ridge, roughness of underlying ground.
**Additional load:
→ high (e.g. group of skiers without spacing, snowmobile/ groomer, avalanche blasting)
→ low (e.g. single skier, snowboarder, snowshoe hiker)
Natural: without human assistance
- aspect: the compass direction in which a downward slope faces
- exposed: especially exposed to danger
Prepared by NGI - based on the European Avalanche Danger Scale.
