Avalanche Danger Scale - Europe
This is a recreational version of the scale used in Europe, with colors based on those used by the SLF in Switzerland. Minor differences may still apply locally in some places. The full scale has additional columns which are more relevant to roads and buildings than recreation. Full tables with all columns can be found using the links on our World Danger Scales index page.
Degree of Hazard |
Snowpack |
Avalanche Probability |
| 1 LOW (green) |
The snowpack is generally well bonded and stable. | Triggering is possible only with high additional loads on a few very steep extreme slopes. Only a few small natural avalanches (sluffs) possible. |
| 2 MODERATE (yellow) |
The snowpack is moderately well bonded on some steep slopes, otherwise generally well bonded. | Triggering is possible with high additional loads, particularly on the steep slopes indicated in the bulletin. Large natural avalanches not likely. |
| 3 CONSIDERABLE (orange) |
The snowpack is moderately to weakly bonded on many steep slopes. | Triggering is possible, sometimes even with low additional loads. The bulletin may indicate many slopes which are particularly affected. In certain conditions, medium and occasionally large sized natural avalanches may occur. |
| 4 HIGH (red) |
The snowpack is weakly bonded in most places. | Triggering is probable even with low additional loads on many steep slopes. In some conditions, frequent medium or large sized natural avalanches are likely. |
| 5 VERY HIGH (checkerboard) |
The snowpack is generally weakly bonded and largely unstable. | Numerous large natural avalanches are likely, even on moderately steep terrain. |
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