Page 111 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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N

500

NW
NE

800

W 1150 E

SW
SE

S

Localised Avalanche Hazard

Hazard Level
Avalanche Probability
Widespread Natural and Human triggered
Very High
avalanches will occur.
Natural and Human triggered avalanches will
High occur.

Considerable Natural Avalanches possible. Human
triggered avalanches are likely.
Natural Avalanches unlikely. Human triggered
Moderate avalanches possible.

Low
Natural Avalanches very unlikely. Human
triggered avalanches not likely.

avalanche reports, not just for the immediate area; get a feel for
what is happening in other areas as this helps to build a picture.

The avalanche report will provide you with enough information

to make an informed decision at your daily training meeting. The
Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) provides avalanche
forecasts for the 5 main areas of Scotland. Using the SAIS
forecast for Glencoe dated the 25 Jan 13 (listed above) which is a

particularly high risk, I would like highlight a few signiicant points
that in addition to many other factors are worthy of mention:
• Take note of the words under the “Hazard Level” heading.
This is not a sliding scale of 1–5, and 3 is not the safe area

or middle ground; to interoperate a considerable risk as such
is irresponsible. The wording considerable means; substantial,
signiicant, large, extensive, sizable, great, huge; therefore
considerable is a serious risk.
• The “Avalanche Probability” yet again requires series

consideration. “Natural Avalanches possible. Human triggered
avalanches are likely.” Firstly, note that Mother Nature will set
off natural avalanches with no assistance from us humans.
Secondly and most importantly there is a substantial, signiicant,

large, extensive, sizable, great, huge risk that ‘human triggered
avalanches are likely’. The meaning of the word likely is;
probable, expected and prone.
• Take serious note of the altitude, these igures are relected in

the middle of the pie chart. The altitude is a reference, so please
do not presume that in this particular case being at a height of
780m on a Northerly aspect places you on safe terrain. The
hazard is right above you and the snow has gravity in its favour;

this is not the place to be!
• Underneath the pie chart is a round symbol representing a
localized avalanche hazard. These hazards can be formed in A good
areas where wind has blown across a slope (known as cross Scottish Day
loading) and has illed in pockets/depressions within gullies or