Is the terrain capable of producing avalanches?
Most human triggered avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees steep. Avalanche terrain consists of any snow covered slope that is steeper than 25 degrees, or any slope, which has a slope steeper than 25 degrees immediately above it. Is the weather contributing to the avalanche hazard? Most avalanches occur during or shortly after snowstorms or periods of strong wind. Rising temperatures during or shortly after a snowstorm or temperatures above freezing can increase the avalanche hazard. Could the snow slide? The snowpack is comprised of layers. Avalanches occur when a slab, which is a cohesive layer of snow, buries a weak layer. If enough weight is added to the snowpack so the weak layer fractures and the fracture propagates through the slab, an avalanche will release. Slopes with deposits of wind transported snow are dangerous because the deposited snow adds weight and the wind drifted snow often forms slabs. All steep, leeward slopes should be approached with extra cautio
