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European Avalanche Danger Scale with recommendations


Danger level   Icon Snowpack stability Avalanche triggering probability Unfavourable exposures Consequences for persons outside secured zones / recommendations

1

Low
(Meget lille )
(Gering )
The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable. Triggering is generally possible only with high additional loads on very few extreme slopes. Only natural sluffs and small avalanches are possible. Generally safe conditions.

2

Moderate
(Lille )
(Mäßig )
The snowpack is only moderately well bonded on some steep slopes, otherwise it is generally well bonded Triggering is possible, particularly through high additional loads, mainly on steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural avalanches are not expected. Mostly favourable conditions. Careful route selection, especially on steep slopes of indicated aspects and altitude zones.

3

Considerable
(Middel )
(Erheblich )
The snowpack is moderately to weakly bonded on many steep slopes. Triggering is possible, even through low additional loads mainly on steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. In certain conditions, some medium and occasionally large natural avalanches are possible. Partially unfavourable conditions. Experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required. Steep slopes of indicated aspects and altitude zones should be avoided if possible.

4

High
(Stor )
(Groß )
The snowpack is weakly bonded on most steep slopes. Triggering is probable even through low additional loads on many steep slopes. In certain conditions, many medium and multiple large natural avalanches are expected. Unfavourable conditions. Extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger is required. Remain in moderately steep terrain / beware of avalanche run out zones.

5

Very high
(Meget Stor )
(Sehr groß )
The snowpack is generally weakly bonded and largely unstable. Many large natural avalanches are expected, even in moderately steep terrain. Highly unfavourable conditions. Avoid open terrain.
WSL-Institut für Schnee- und Lawinenforschung SLF (http://www.slf.ch/)