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Avalanche Forecaster

Predicts and mitigates avalanche risks — protecting communities, ski resorts, and travelers.

Did you know?

Avalanche forecasters in Europe use a 5-level danger scale adopted in 1993, and in Switzerland most avalanche deaths happen at levels 2 and 3, not the highest.

How subjects help

Physics: Test how well snow layers stick together and when a weak layer might collapse.
Geography: Track snowfall, wind and temperature across the mountains to map danger areas.
Mathematics: Measure slope angles to find the steep slopes where avalanches most often start.

A famous name

Montgomery Atwater: Considered the founder of avalanche research and forecasting in North America.

Try it yourself: Which day is riskiest on the slopes?

Heavy new snow, strong wind piling it up, and a quick warm-up all make avalanches more likely. Circle those on the card.
Which day has the most warning signs together?
Which day looks safest, and why?
Write a one-line warning for skiers for the riskiest day.

Avalanche forecasters combine snow, wind and temperature readings to tell people which slopes to avoid, and explain it simply.

Also try: Be a weather watcher for a week.

Known for it in

Switzerland, Canada, Norway, Austria, USA