Whenever traveling in avalanche country it
is important to be aware of your environment. Steep gullies and
wide plains are perfect paths for avalanches. Ridges and unconformities
in the terrain may help to slow down an avalanches speed. The severity
of an avalanche is directly related to the terrain in which it happens.
One of the most important factors to consider is the slope of the mountain or hill. Most avalanches occur between 20 and 50 degrees like the diagram above shows. However, the largest avalanches occur between 30 and 45 degrees, and the areas which have the greatest frequency of avalanches are between 35 and 40 degrees. This is due to the fact that this angle allows the most snow to collect at the least stable angle.
Another important feature to consider when
working or playing in places where avalanches are a definite possibility
are anchors. Anchors are features of the terrain which hold the snow in
one place. A good example is the picture below on the left. The
route with many trees is labeled "best route" because the trees help hold
the snow in place. Although an avalanche could still go through this
area, the trees would slow it down, if not stop it. Also an avalanche
is less likely to start in a densely forested area.
Another essential anchor to look for when choosing
your path are rocky areas. Rocks, like trees, help hold the snow
in place. Obviously an avalanche probably won't start on a rocky
area. However, if an avalanche is coming down the mountain, it will
take the path of least resistance meaning that a rocky ridge will probably
be avoided by the avalanche. The picture above to the right illustrates
the path an avalanche would probably take.
One of the most important factors to consider is the slope of the mountain or hill. Most avalanches occur between 20 and 50 degrees like the diagram above shows. However, the largest avalanches occur between 30 and 45 degrees, and the areas which have the greatest frequency of avalanches are between 35 and 40 degrees. This is due to the fact that this angle allows the most snow to collect at the least stable angle.
