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Classification of avalanche probabilty with danger indications to skiers, day-trippers and mountaineers
The unified scale in 5 colours (corresponding to increasing levels of danger)
is the result of a laborious agreement between the alpine countries (Austria,
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland) reached in April 1993 during the 6th
International Meeting of the Working Group of Avalanches Warning Services and used
for the first time in the snow bulletins at the beginning of winter season 1993/94
DEFINITIONS
Small avalanches: usually do not cause damages to people;
medium avalanches: limited to the slopes;
large avalanches: go downhill;
steep slopes: slopes with an incline of more than about 30°;
steep extreme slopes: particularly unfavourable slopes in terms of the incline, terrain profile, proximity to ridges, smoothness of underlying ground surface;
self triggering: triggering not caused by any human intervention;
high additional load: e.g. group of skiers, avalanche blasting
low additional load: e.g. a skier, a walker
 SNOW REPORTS
INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS
 REPORT
METEOMAR
FORECASTS
CHARTS
CLIMATE
OBSERVATIONS
WEBCAM
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EUROPEAN AVALANCHE HAZARD SCALE
Scale |
Danger |
Avalanche
probability |
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Indications to skiers, day-trippers and mountaineers |
 |
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LOW |
Triggering is possible only with high additional loads on a few very
steep extreme slopes. Only a few small natural avalanches (sluffs) possible.
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Generally favourable conditions for ski-trips
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MODERATE |
Triggering is possible with high additional loads, particularly on the
steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural avalanches not likely
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Favourable conditions for ski-trips but it's required
to adequately consider local dangerous zones
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CONSIDERABLE |
Triggering is possible, sometimes even with low additional loads. The bulletin
may indicate many slopes which are particularly affected. In certain conditions,
medium and occasionally large sized natural avalanches may occur
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The possibility of ski-trips is limited and it's required
a good ability of local valuation
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HIGH |
Triggering is probable even with low additional loads on many steep
slopes. In some conditions, frequent medium or large sized natural
avalanches are likely
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The possibility of ski-trips is very limited and it's required
an high ability of local valuation
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VERY HIGH |
Numerous large natural avalanches are likely, even on moderately steep terrain
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The ski-trips are generally unpossible
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