Safety Disclaimer First
SnowBase scores reflect snow depth and weather conditions only. They do NOT evaluate avalanche danger. Always consult your regional avalanche center for official advisories.
The North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale
Regional avalanche centers rate backcountry avalanche hazard on a standardized 5-tier danger scale:
- 1 - Low (Green): Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for isolated instabilities on extreme slopes.
- 2 - Moderate (Yellow): Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Careful snowpack evaluation required.
- 3 - Considerable (Orange): Dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative terrain selection required.
- 4 - High (Red): Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
- 5 - Extreme (Black): Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Essential Backcountry Safety Gear
Every person traveling in backcountry avalanche terrain must carry and know how to use the essential rescue trio:
- Modern 3-antenna avalanche transceiver (beacon) worn on the body.
- Collapsible avalanche probe (240-300cm).
- Durable metal avalanche shovel (never plastic).