Avalanche hazard evaluation: <<3x3>>-method

The planning of your ski-tour and the judgement of the avalanche risk takes place

	at home,
	the day before,
	and locally.

The factor to consider are given by the matrix below.
The tourplan templates refer to these items as well.

1. Weather and snow
conditions

2. Terrain

3. Human factors

1. Trip planning

> Trip with
alternatives and time
schedule

<< Which tour is possible? >>

	Avalanche bulletin
	Weather forecast
	Additional information; from warden etc.

	Map
	Guide book
	Photographs
	Key passages
	Measure the steepness (map 1:25.000)
	Alternatives
	Time schedule

	Who will participate?
	Group size
	Technique and fitness
	Equipment
	Responsibility

2. Assessing the local hazard

> Route selection and
alternatives

<< Is anything unexpected? >>

	Precipitation, critical new snow depth
	Alarm signals
	Wind, wind-driven snow
	Air temperature
	Visibility
	Clouds
	Weather trend tendency
	Snow cover conditions

	Is my perception correct?
	Steepness
	Aspect
	What is above/below?
	Near ridge?
	Topography/relief
	Forest

	Who is in my group
	Check of equipment and transceivers
	Who else is travelling?
	Frequently checking the physical condition of members and the time-schedule

3. Assessing specific slopes,
key passage

> Trail selection
> Safety measures, turning back

<< To go or not to go? >>

	Critical new snow depth
	Snow quality
	Recent accumulations of wind-driven snow
	Radiation, temperature
	Visibility
	Frequency and extent of previous skiing activity

	Steepness , shape, location (e.g. distance to ridge), size of slope
	Rock outcrops
	Elevation and aspect
	Danger of fall and of burial
	Detour possibilities

	Physical and mental fitness
	Technical ability
	Group size
	Discipline
	Leadership

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