Emergency Management – Avalanche – Danger Definitions

North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

Being near or in avalanche terrain or avalanche zones is not recommended. Eliminate exposure to avalanche zones.

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.

Being in avalanche terrain or avalanche zones is not recommended. Minimize exposure time in avalanche zones. Monitor avalanche forecasts.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

Be increasingly cautious in or under steeper terrain and in avalanche zones. Monitor avalanche forecasts.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

Use caution in or under steeper terrain and in avalanche zones.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Normal caution is advised.