In such aspects, settling and bonding usually occur only slowly. In mid-winter, steeper north facing slopes are shaded by the mountains for long periods and therefore not exposed to any direct solar radiation. If you are standing on a mountain summit looking towards the north (with the sun on your back at midday), the north facing slope lies immediately in front of and below you. Conversely, during warm spring-like weather, sun-exposed slopes often present a higher risk, because of weak snow due to rapid warming and melting.Ī north facing slope falls to the north. Slopes shaded from the sun stay cooler, inhibiting beneficial bonding among layers, and are generally more prone to avalanches during cold winter-like weather. Warmer temperatures allow for greater bonding between individual layers in the snowpack. Radiation from the sun influences snow temperature which, in turn, plays a role in determining the strength of the snow. Liability claims for the representation of gradients over 30° cannot be asserted. They were calculated from digital terrain models. The indicated values on the map must, of course, be assumed to be approximate. When you use the actual avalanche forecast in combination with the slope angle maps you are able to define safer slopes already before you enter the backcountry. If you want to ride safely make sure that you are riding slopes according to common avalanche risk management theories. Most avalanche accidents happen on slopes between 35 and 45 degrees-exactly the type of slope that is most fun to ski. The classes above are drawn onto the map. Super extremely steep slopes: steeper than 45°.Extremely steep slopes: steeper than 40°.
According to avalanche forecast standards and common risk management theories we categorized the dangerous slope angles into 4 classes: Most winter sport related avalanches occur at slope angles steeper than 30 degrees. Slope angle, or incline, is one of the most significant terrain characteristics that determines whether an avalanche can occur. Nothing better than steeps, but steep pitches can also be dangerous. Liability claims for the representation of altitude zones cannot be asserted. Use the altitude zone map in combination with the actual avalanche bulletin to define safer slopes already before you enter the backcountry.
You will find mostly complex terrain here. There are many glaciers and this zone often deals with the most heavy winter storms. It is even more exposed than the higher altitudes. This is the zone above 3000 meters and the most bare zone in the mountains. You will find mostly a mix of challenging and complex terrain here. It is often much colder than the intermediate and lower altitudes, so weak layers in the snowpack will persist for a longer period of time. Due to the altitude more snow falls over the course of the season and the wind is very strong. This zone often deals with heavy winter storms, needs more snow to be skiable and has a lot of avalanche activity. There are some glaciers in this zone, especially above the 2500-3000 meters. There might be some small bushes or a random tree, but the area is mostly bare, with many rocks and very few alpine meadows. This is the zone between 20 meters and in general above treeline. Mid-mountain mostly offers simple and challenging terrain. Mid mountain is also the place where you will find alpine meadows. Broadleaf trees no longer grow here, but you will find loads of pine trees and larches that might give you some protection during severe storms and huge dumps. You will find mostly simple terrain here. This is where the winter is shortest and the terrain is mostly developed by humans. Here you will find mostly broadleaf trees and alpine meadows. The higher you get the more complex the terrain gets. Les Contamines-Montjoie Les Contamines/Hauteluce +32kmĪvalanche and alpine dangers can change dramatically with elevation. Saint Nicolas de Véroce Megève/Saint Gervais +29km
Saint Gervais les Bains Megève/Saint Gervais +23km Les Houches Domaine des Houches Saint-Gervais +8kmĮntrèves Courmayeur Punta Helbronner +19kmĬourmayeur Courmayeur/Chécrouit - Val Veny +21km