The daily process

Evaluate Signs of Instability

During the Trip

Throughout your travels in the backcountry, keep an eye on the conditions around you. The signs below indicate that avalanche danger is high. Keep in mind, however, that the absence of signs of instability does not mean that there is no instability, especially when persistent slab and deep persistent slab problems are present.

Is the wind picking up? Watch out for wind transport, which can add weight to slopes downwind (the side facing away from the wind). The thin clouds seen at the summit in this photo are actually plumes of snow being carried by the wind over the ridge. The slope where this snow will settle will become loaded and more prone to producing an avalanche. — Is the wind picking up? Watch out for wind transport, which can add weight to slopes downwind (the side facing away from the wind). The thin clouds seen at the summit in this photo are actually plumes of snow being carried by the wind over the ridge. The slope where this snow will settle will become loaded and more prone to producing an avalanche.

Recent avalanches (within the last 48 hours) are a sure sign of instability. Take note of the slope and its angle, as it is highly likely that other avalanches will occur on similar slopes. — Recent avalanches (within the last 48 hours) are a sure sign of instability. Take note of the slope and its angle, as it is highly likely that other avalanches will occur on similar slopes.

If it snows heavily – more than 2 cm per hour – for several hours, you can be sure that the avalanche danger is increasing. — If it snows heavily – more than 2 cm per hour – for several hours, you can be sure that the avalanche danger is increasing.

Whumpfs (the sound snow makes when it collapses) and cracks indicate that the snowpack is prone to avalanches if the slope is steep enough and exposed. Cracks indicate that there is a slab and that steep slopes in the surrounding area are prone to avalanches and should therefore be avoided. — Whumpfs (the sound snow makes when it collapses) and cracks indicate that the snowpack is prone to avalanches if the slope is steep enough and exposed. Cracks indicate that there is a slab and that steep slopes in the surrounding area are prone to avalanches and should therefore be avoided.

Rapid warming from solar radiation, warm winds, or rain also increases the danger of avalanches. — Rapid warming from solar radiation, warm winds, or rain also increases the danger of avalanches.

5

During the Trip

Good Travel Habits

Complete the daily process at

Each outing

6

DURING THE TRIP

EVALUATE SLOPES