Traveling in the Backcountry?

If you have any information about conditions or activity in the backcountry or If you have observed avalanche activity, please post your observations in the backcountry activity forums or send them to us.

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What does the Danger Level Mean?

The Chart below explains the Danger Levels and the corresponding definitions.

Danger Level
and Color		 Probability and
Trigger		 Recommended Action
Low Natural avalanches very unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches unlikely.		 Travel is generally safe.
Normal caution advised.
Moderate Natural avalanches unlikely.
Human triggered avalanches possible.		 Use caution in steeper terrain on certain aspects.
Considerable Natural avalanches possible.
Human triggered avalanches probable.		 Be increasingly cautious in steeper terrain.
High Natural and human triggered avalanches likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Extreme Widespread natural or
human triggered avalanches certain.		 Travel in avalanche terrain should be avoided
and confined to low angle terrain,
well away from avalanche path runouts.

Below Treeline:

Applicable to densely forested areas that may have openings and glades within them large enough to create relatively small avalanches. Avalanche run-out zones from higher regions may run through this elevation band.

Treeline:

Applicable to the transition area between densely forested areas below and alpine regions with few or no trees above. Trees area generally smaller and area found in non-contiguous stands separated by open, wind exposed areas. The treeline zone is a relatively narrow band compared to below treeline and alpine

Alpine:

Applicable areas above the treeline. Small, isolated trees may be found at the low en of this elevation band but they quickly give way to large expanses of open slopes leading to ridges and peaks. This entire band is highly exposed to the effects of the wind.

Island Terrain:

Mt. Washington and Mt. Cain Ski terrain both sit at Treeline elevations. The peak at Mt. Washington is still considered Treeline by definition when reading the bulletins.