Sensitivity to triggers definition table

Definition

Determine the Sensitivity to Triggers based on what kind of triggering will initiate avalanches of any size within the defined location.

Sensitivty	Natural Triggers	Human Triggers	Explosive Triggers		Cornice Triggers
			Size	Result
Unreactive	No avalanches	No avalanches	Very large explosives	No slab	No slab from very large cornice fall
Stubborn	Few	Difficult to trigger	Large explosives & air blast	Some	Large
Touchy	Several	Easy to trigger	Single hand charge	Many	Medium
Very Touchy	Numerous	Triggering certain	Any size	Numerous	Any size
Description of observation	Natural avalanche occurrence	Ease of triggering by a single human	Size of explosive and effect		Size of cornice that will trigger a slab

Source: Statham, G., Haegeli, P., Birkeland, K. W., Greene, E., Israelson, C., Tremper, B., et al. (2010). A conceptual model of avalanche hazard. Paper presented at the International Snow Science Workshop, Lake Tahoe, CA.

Related documents

• Hazard assessment module