| Danger Rating | Points |
|---|---|
| Low | 1 point |
| Moderate | 2 points |
| Considerable | 3 points |
| High | 4 points |
| Extreme | Stay home |
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Decision Frameworks
Structured approaches to avalanche decision-making. These frameworks help you organize information, assess risk, and make consistent decisions in the backcountry.
AIARE Framework
American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education
The AIARE framework uses a hierarchical approach to risk management, working from large scale to small scale. Make decisions at each level before moving to the next.
1. Regional Scale
Before you leave home: Check the avalanche forecast
- •What is the danger rating? (Low, Moderate, Considerable, High, Extreme)
- •What avalanche problems exist?
- •Which elevations and aspects are affected?
- •Is today a good day to go? Or should you choose a different activity?
2. Zonal/Route Scale
Planning your route: Choose appropriate terrain
- •Which zone or drainage will you visit?
- •What elevation bands will you travel through?
- •What aspects will you encounter?
- •Plan A, B, and C routes based on observations
3. Slope Scale
At each slope: Evaluate before committing
- •Measure slope angle - is it in the problem range?
- •Check aspect - does it match the forecast concern?
- •Look for red flags (cracking, whumpfing, recent avalanches)
- •Assess consequences - what happens if it slides?
- •Do you ski/ride it, or choose safer terrain?
4. Individual/Group Scale
Safe travel protocols: Reduce exposure
- •One person at a time in avalanche terrain
- •Watch your partner from a safe location
- •Identify islands of safety and regroup there
- •Space party widely when crossing suspect slopes
- •Have an escape plan if conditions change
Key Principle
Work top-down through the scales. If you make a “no-go” decision at a higher level, you don't need to evaluate the lower levels. For example, if the regional forecast is HIGH danger and you decide to stay home, you don't need to evaluate specific slopes.
The Avaluator Method
Point-based decision tool from Avalanche Canada
The Avaluator uses a points system to assess risk. You add up points based on conditions and terrain, then compare to your risk tolerance. Simple, systematic, and effective for recreational users.
Step 1: Avalanche Conditions (from forecast)
Step 2: Terrain Selection
| Terrain Choice | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Simple terrain (mostly <30°, treed) | × 1 |
| Challenging terrain (some 30-35°) | × 2 |
| Complex terrain (sustained >35°, exposure) | × 3 |
Step 3: Calculate Risk Score
Risk Score = Danger Rating Points × Terrain Multiplier
1-2 Points
Acceptable Risk
3-4 Points
Caution - Extra Attention
5+ Points
Not Recommended
Example
Scenario: Forecast is CONSIDERABLE (3 points), you plan to ski complex terrain with 38° slopes (×3 multiplier)
Calculation: 3 × 3 = 9 points = NOT RECOMMENDED
Better choice: Stick to simple terrain (×1) = 3 points = Caution zone, acceptable with extra attention
FACETS Method
Comprehensive field assessment checklist
FACETS is a mnemonic for remembering the key observations to make in the field. It helps ensure you're gathering complete information before making decisions.
F
Facts
Objective observations: slope angle, aspect, elevation, weather data, snow depth
A
Avalanches
Recent avalanche activity: natural releases, human-triggered, size, location
C
Cracks & Collapses
Red flags: shooting cracks, whumpfing sounds, collapsing snow
E
Energy
Snowpack energy: wind loading, warming, new snow, rainfall adding stress to snowpack
T
Terrain
Terrain features: slope angle, terrain traps, escape routes, safe zones
S
Snowpack
Snowpack tests: hand pits, pole probing, formal stability tests if trained
Which Framework Should You Use?
🧭 Use AIARE Framework for:
- •Overall trip planning and decision hierarchy
- •Systematic top-down approach
- •Teaching and practicing decision-making
🎯 Use Avaluator for:
- •Quick risk assessment before heading out
- •Matching terrain to current conditions
- •Simple, objective decision support
💎 Use FACETS for:
- •Field observations checklist
- •Ensuring you gather complete information
- •Communicating conditions to your group
💡 Best Practice
Use them together! Start with Avaluator before you leave, apply AIARE framework for planning your route and making slope-by-slope decisions, and use FACETS as your field observation checklist. They complement each other.