The avalanche forecast is designed for people who have taken at least an avalanche awareness class or preferably an avalanche Level 1 course. We don't expect a first-time user to understand the contents of a forecast completely. This page explains the basic concepts of the forecast and how to read it.

The first section is the bottom line. This section summarizes what the danger is, where it is, and how you can reduce your exposure. It uses concise and basic language to describe the general picture for the day. The rest of the forecast gives more specific avalanche information you will need for more specific trip planning decisions. For a tutorial on danger ratings, click HERE.

The Mountain Graphic

This graphic provides a general overview of the avalanche danger by elevation. It also shows the expected danger ratings for the next day. These sometimes change, so checking the forecast every day before you go out is always important.

Below these sections, you will find the avalanche problems for the day.  These have a series of symbols and graphics above a description to help explain the avalanche problem and help you remember it while making decisions in the field. This section may also include photos as examples of the problem. 

Here are some brief explanations of what the graphics convey:

Avalanche Character There are many different kinds of avalanches, and each has its own characteristics.   Most Level 1 avalanche classes cover these various avalanche problems.  For a quick tutorial, click HERE. For each problem, we tell you both graphically and in text, where you will find the problem by aspect and elevation, the characteristics of the problem, including how easy it is to trigger, its size and distribution, and whether or not it is becoming more or less dangerous.

The Aspect-Elevation Rose The aspect-elevation rose is a powerful way to understand the general avalanche pattern at a glance by aspect (the direction a slope faces) and elevation.   These grey-and-white roses are "locator roses," meaning they show you the general aspect and elevation where you will MOST LIKELY find the avalanche problem, not all the places where you might find it. The grey areas indicate where this avalanche problem likely exists, and the white areas indicate where it is likely absent.

Likelihood of Triggering means the probability that a single person will trigger that type of avalanche in the terrain specified. 

Size means the size of the avalanche.  Small avalanches are D1 in size or not quite large enough to bury a person unless other factors, like terrain traps, contribute to magnifying the consequences of the avalanche. Large avalanches are D2 avalanches, meaning they can bury or injure people. Very large avalanches are D3 avalanches that can bury and destroy a car, damage a truck, destroy a small building, or break a few trees. Historic avalanches are D4 and D5 avalanches that can destroy a railway car, large truck, several buildings, a small village, or a forest area up to 40 hectares. 

A forecast discussion follows the problems section to elaborate on details or other pertinent information. Next, you will find a media gallery showing examples of what is happening in the mountains.

At the bottom of the page, we publish mountain weather information and forecasts.