Difference between revisions of "Hazard rating definition table"
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==Definition== | ==Definition== | ||
| + | '''Avalanche hazard'''; '''avalanche danger''' is the potential for an avalanche(s) to cause damage to something of value. It is a function of the likelihood of triggering and the destructive size of the avalanche(s). It implies the potential to affect people, facilities or things of value, but does not incorporate vulnerability or exposure to avalanches. Avalanche hazard is commonly expressed using relative terms such as high, moderate and low. | ||
| − | + | ==North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale== | |
Avalanche danger is determined by the likelihood, size and distribution of avalanches. | Avalanche danger is determined by the likelihood, size and distribution of avalanches. | ||
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{|class="TblConceptualModel" | {|class="TblConceptualModel" | ||
Revision as of 20:27, 29 December 2013
Definition
Avalanche hazard; avalanche danger is the potential for an avalanche(s) to cause damage to something of value. It is a function of the likelihood of triggering and the destructive size of the avalanche(s). It implies the potential to affect people, facilities or things of value, but does not incorporate vulnerability or exposure to avalanches. Avalanche hazard is commonly expressed using relative terms such as high, moderate and low.
North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale
Avalanche danger is determined by the likelihood, size and distribution of avalanches.
| Danger Level | Travel Advice | Likelihood of Avalanches | Avalanche Size and Distribution |
| 5 Extreme | Avoid all avalanche terrain | Natural and human triggered avalanche certain. | Large and very large avalanches in many areas. |
| 4 High | Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. | Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. | Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas. |
| 3 Considerable | Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative desicion-making essential. | Natural avalanche possible; human-triggered avalanches likely | Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanche in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. |
| 2 Moderate | Heightended avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. | Natural avalanche unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible | Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas |
| 1 Low | Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Natural and human-triggered avalanche unlikely. | Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain. |
Source:
Statham, G., Haegeli, P., Birkeland, K. W., Greene, E., Israelson, C., Tremper, B., et al. (2010). The North American public avalanche danger scale. Paper presented at the International Snow Science Workshop, Lake Tahoe, CA.
See http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/danger-scale.
