Avalanche danger is a key concern in ski touring, especially in untouched backcountry areas. Ski touring offers unmatched freedom to explore remote mountain landscapes, providing both adventure and a physical challenge. However, with this freedom comes inherent risks, and understanding hazards is essential for every participant.
The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to the basics of avalanche safety. We will show you how to reduce risks and how to use your safety equipment effectively. The goal is not just to stay alive but also to enjoy the thrill of skiing off-piste while keeping yourself safe. Together, we will simplify avalanche safety concepts and build a solid foundation for exciting and secure mountain adventures.
Table of Contents
Where and Why Avalanches Happen
Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that the purpose here is not to scare you or give a lecture. The aim is to make you aware of potential dangers, teach you how to stay safe, and encourage you to keep learning about avalanches. This short guide won’t make you an expert and is not a substitute for formal courses, which we will discuss later.
What is an Avalanche?
An avalanche is a large mass of snow, ice, and sometimes debris that rapidly slides down a mountain slope. snow slide can happen for several reasons:
- Weather conditions: heavy snowfall, sudden temperature changes, or rain.
- Snow instability: weak layers within the snowpack.
- Terrain features: steep slopes, convex shapes, or wind-loaded areas.
- Human activity: skiing, snowboarding, or walking on unstable snow.
Large snow masses can move rapidly downhill in various forms and sizes. The danger becomes greater on slopes of 25 degrees or steeper. Even a relatively small cliff or mountain can trigger a snow slide that travels horizontally up to three times the height of the slope.
Avalanches are extremely dangerous.On average, around 100 people die each year in Europe due to these incidents, with suffocation being the leading cause of death. However, individuals buried under snow have a strong chance of survival if rescued within the first 15 minutes.
Main Types of Avalanche Danger
Snow slides can be broadly classified into five main types, each with its own characteristics and dangers that skiers and mountaineers should be aware of.
1. Slab
Slab avalanches are the most frequent and hazardous type, causing the majority of related accidents. They form when a weak layer beneath a heavy snowpack collapses, sending the overlying snow mass sliding down. These events can occur naturally, such as after fresh snowfall or temperature changes, or be triggered by human activities like skiing. Their speed can reach 50–200 km/h, and they usually happen on steep slopes with unstable, freshly fallen snow.
2. Loose Snow
These avalanches start from a single point and grow larger as more snow gathers while sliding downhill. Loose snow avalanches usually occur on soft, fresh snow and steep slopes. Unlike hard snow slabs, these slides move more slowly and spread in a cone-shaped pattern. They can be particularly dangerous for beginners, as sudden movement can cause a loss of balance, and the snow’s weight grows as it piles up.
3. Cornice Fall
Cornices are overhanging snow formations that develop along the edges of cliffs or ridges, usually sculpted by wind. If a cornice collapses, it can trigger a significant avalanche by pushing the snow mass down the slope. These types of snow slides are often unpredictable and occur in areas exposed to wind or along cliff edges. Skiers and climbers should always maintain a safe distance from cornice edges, as even a single misstep can result in a sudden and hazardous fall.
4. Glide
Glide avalanches occur when an entire snowpack slowly separates from the ground and begins sliding down a slope. Unlike sudden slides, they may start moving days or even weeks before fully releasing. Gradual snowmelt, water under the snow, and steep inclines all contribute to this movement. These events are hard to predict and can affect large areas suddenly, making even seemingly stable terrain dangerous.
5. Wet
Wet avalanches occur when water saturates the snow, such as during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. The snow becomes wet, heavy, and moves downhill with great force, often carrying rocks, branches, and debris. They are most common in late spring or during sudden temperature changes. Unlike dry ones, wet slides move more slowly but have greater destructive power, making them particularly dangerous for skiers and climbers.
Slope and Identifying Avalanche Prone Areas
To minimize the risk of being caught in an avalanche, it’s crucial to understand slope characteristics and terrain features. Various factors can help predict and identify this type of danger:
Prediction
- forecasts: Always check the latest local avalanche reports to stay updated on current conditions.
- Snow analysis: Test snow stability using methods like snow pits to evaluate weak layers.
- Weather monitoring: Keep track of recent temperature changes, snowfall, and wind.
- Human factors: Your group’s decisions and actions can increase or reduce avalanche risk.
Identifying Avalanche-Prone Terrain
- Slope angle: Slopes between 30° and 45° are most prone to snow slode. Avalanches triggered by skiers usually occur between 36° and 39°. Slopes under 25° are lower risk, while slopes over 55° are less likely to slide but are generally too steep for enjoyable skiing.
- Terrain traps: Gullies, cliffs, and trees can worsen the impact of any slide.
- Wind-loaded areas: Wind-deposited snow can create unstable slabs that raise the risk.
- Runout zones: Areas at the bottom of slopes where avalanches may travel and deposit debris
Slope Orientation
The direction a slope faces significantly affects the risk.
- South-facing slopes: Sun warms the snow during the day, which then refreezes at night, forming icy layers. Steep south-facing slopes in sunny afternoons are highly prone to avalanches and should be avoided.
- Slope orientation also helps assess the effect of wind and snow accumulation, identifying areas with higher risk.
Helpful Tools
Tools like ATES (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale) can help evaluate avalanche exposure, severity, and plan safer routes. Using these tools allows skiers to make informed decisions and navigate backcountry terrain more safely.
Avalanche Danger Red Flags
Every freerider should know how to recognize warning signs of avalanches. These indicators can alert you that conditions may be dangerous, and sometimes it’s safer to turn back or avoid the area altogether.
- Severe Weather Changes: Heavy snowfall, rain, strong winds, or rapid temperature shifts can destabilize the snowpack. Always consider these factors before planning your freeride day.
- Wind and Snow Accumulation: Strong winds, especially during snowfall, can deposit snow in sheltered areas, forming dangerous slabs that can easily release.
- Recent snow slides: If an avalanche has recently occurred in the area or you notice fresh debris while ascending, this is a clear warning. Change your route or turn back.
- Terrain Traps: Features such as gullies, cliffs, or dense trees can increase the danger of a snow slide. A cliff might seem exciting to drop off, but during a fast-moving snow flow, it can be extremely hazardous.
- Whumphing or Hollow Sounds: These noises indicate that layers of snow under your feet or your group are collapsing, which is a strong sign of instability.
- Cracks in the Snow: Visible cracks or fractures often accompany collapsing layers and can trigger an avalanche.
- Crevasses: When traveling on glaciers, watch for hidden crevasses under the snow. Some can be up to 30 meters deep and invisible from the surface. Use maps to identify dangerous areas and avoid them.
Tips to Reduce Avalanche Danger Risk
- Stick to slopes less than 25 degrees whenever possible.
- Even on gentle terrain, stay cautious: snow slides can originate above you or from slabs linked to steeper sections
- Always check forecasts and weather conditions before heading out.
- Plan your route carefully, avoiding steep slopes and terrain traps.
- When crossing avalanche-prone areas, one person should go at a time, while others wait safely.
- Maintain communication with your group and have a clear plan for regrouping and emergency situations.
Avalanche Forecast
One of the most essential tools for any freerider is checking the forecast. Forecasts are usually provided for specific regions and are prepared by local experts. Similar to weather forecasts, avalanche conditions can change daily, although not all areas update every day.
What the forecast tells you:
- Danger level from 1 to 5
- Type of avalanche, such as wind slab or wet
- Key factors and hazards to watch for
Danger Levels:
- Low: Unlikely, typically limited to very steep slopes or specific spots. Conditions are generally stable, but some risk remains.
- Moderate: Risk is higher on certain slopes. Pay attention to the snow and terrain, and avoid risky areas.
- Considerable: Conditions are dangerous; carefully evaluate the snow and terrain and choose your route with caution.
- High: Very dangerous conditions. Entering avalanche-prone areas is not recommended.
- Extreme: Large slides are possible across wide areas; the safest option is to stay home and avoid all steep, hazardous terrain.
If no forecast is available for a region, you must carefully assess the snow, slope, wind, and other warning signs yourself. Combining forecast information, weather updates, and terrain analysis is the key to staying safe.
Necessary Equipment to be Safe
For backcountry skiing or mountaineering, having the right gear is essential:
- Transceiver (Beacon): Used to locate buried individuals; preferably with three antennas and worn under clothing.
- Probe: Collapsible metal pole to pinpoint the exact location of a buried person, at least 2 meters long.
- Shovel: Metal, sturdy, and collapsible for digging out snow and rescuing someone.
- Avalanche Backpack: Deployable airbag designed to keep you on the surface of the snow during a snow slide; works alongside other safety gear.
- First Aid Kit: Includes bandages, emergency blanket, adhesive strips, and basic medical supplies.
- RECCO System (Optional): Small reflector for rescue teams to detect you; does not replace a beacon.
- Other Essentials: Phone, map, compass, warm clothing, water, and snacks.
Practical Use:
If caught in an avalanche, deploy your airbag and hold onto something stable. If someone else is buried, stay calm, locate them, search systematically with your team, and dig carefully.
Key Tip: Regular practice and teamwork with your gear is crucial for safety.
Courses
Taking a safety course is one of the best ways for freeriders to improve their skills and stay safe. Nearly every country offers specialized programs for avalanche safety. These courses are usually divided into six levels, but Level 1 and Level 2 are the most suitable for recreational skiers and riders.
- Level 1: Participants learn how to identify dangerous slopes and terrain, plan safe routes, read avalanche forecasts, and reduce risks. They also receive training on proper use of safety equipment and basic emergency response procedures.
- Level 2: This level provides more hands-on experience in the mountains and introduces advanced techniques and tools for enhanced safety.
The cost of these courses is typically a few hundred euros, but for freeride enthusiasts, investing in safety is well worth it.
Common Myths
- “If someone else went there, it must be safe.”
This is false! Following others’ tracks is one of the most common causes of avalanche accidents. - “Avalanches don’t happen in forests.”
Even if a slide doesn’t begin within the forest, snow or moving debris from higher slopes can still reach the trees and create serious hazards. - “I skied here before, so it’s safe.”
Snow and weather conditions change daily; a route that was safe yesterday may be dangerous today - “The slope isn’t steep enough for an avalanche.”
Slides can occur on slopes steeper than 25 degrees, even if they appear gentle. - “Avalanche danger is level 1, so there’s no risk.”
Even at low danger levels, caution is necessary; snow slides can still happen. - “If the weather is clear today, there’s no danger.”
Clear skies don’t guarantee safety; fresh snow, temperature changes, or pressure on existing snow can cause sudden snow slides. - “Small areas or gentle slopes are safe.”
Even gentle or mild slopes can trigger snow slides or falling snow masses, which can pose serious danger to anyone nearby. - “Experience guarantees complete safety.”
Skill and experience are important, but no one can foresee all mountain snow-slide dangers. Proper equipment and caution are always essential. - “Trees or forests provide safety.”
Trees may slow down direct snow slides, but massive snow movements can still reach the forest and create hazards.
The Role of IFMGA-Certified Guides
At Whiteoutzone, our IFMGA-certified guides are trained to assess avalanche risk and make informed decisions.
- Route Selection: Selecting routes that reduce the risk of snow slides.
- Real-Time Assessment: Continuously evaluating snow conditions and terrain during the tour.
- Emergency Preparedness: Being prepared to respond effectively in case of a snow slide incident
