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ATES Technical Model

The document introduces the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES), developed by Parks Canada to classify avalanche terrain based on landscape features rather than snow conditions. It provides both a technical model and a public communication model. The technical model is designed for trained avalanche professionals while the public model communicates the concepts to the general public. The classification can be applied at various scales, such as to backcountry trips described in guidebooks. This is a new system that is expected to evolve over time with more experience using avalanche terrain ratings.

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17 views

ATES Technical Model

The document introduces the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES), developed by Parks Canada to classify avalanche terrain based on landscape features rather than snow conditions. It provides both a technical model and a public communication model. The technical model is designed for trained avalanche professionals while the public model communicates the concepts to the general public. The classification can be applied at various scales, such as to backcountry trips described in guidebooks. This is a new system that is expected to evolve over time with more experience using avalanche terrain ratings.

Uploaded by

s.gidney
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Avalanche Terrain Classification

The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is a new development from Parks Canada, which offers an
avalanche classification system based on the landscape – not the snow. The system presents two models:
technical, and public communication.

The technical model has been designed for users trained and skilled in the subtle nuances of avalanche terrain.
The public communication model is designed for communicating technical concepts to the public, who is largely
unable to comprehend the technical details. Both models represent the same thing – spoken in two languages.

The ATES can be applied at whatever scale is appropriate. Parks Canada has chosen to link with popular
guidebooks, and apply ATES ratings to backcountry trips, which are well described in these books. This
classification could however, be applied to any given piece of terrain – it is all a question of scale.

This is a brand new concept, and as such it is expected that this scale will evolve over time, as experience with
using avalanche terrain ratings grows. This model has a time stamp (v.1-04), and will likely be revisited in the
summer of 2005.

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Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale

Public Communication Model (v.1- 04)

Description Class Terrain Criteria

Exposure to low angle or primarily forested terrain. Some forest openings


may involve the runout zones of infrequent avalanches. Many options to
Simple 1 reduce or eliminate exposure. No glacier travel.

Exposure to well defined avalanche paths, starting zones or terrain traps;


options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful routefinding.
Challenging 2 Glacier travel is straightforward but crevasse hazards may exist.

Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of


steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones and terrain traps
Complex below; minimal options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel with
3
extensive crevasse bands or icefalls.
Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale

Technical Model (v.1- 04)

1 - Simple 2 - Challenging 3 - Complex

Slope angle Mostly low angle, Variable with large %


Angles generally < 30º
isolated slopes >35º >35º

Slope shape Uniform Some convexities Convoluted


Large expanses of open
Primarily treed with Mixed trees and open
Forest density some forest openings terrain
terrain. Isolated tree
bands
Many depressions,
Some depressions, gullies
Minimal, some creek gullies, cliffs, hidden
Terrain traps slopes or cutbanks
and/or overhead
slopes above gullies,
avalanche terrain
cornices
Avalanche frequency 1:30 ≥ size 2
1:1 for < size 2 1:1 < size 3
(events:years) 1:3 for ≥ size 2 1:1 ≥ size 3
Large expanses of open
Some open terrain.
terrain. Multiple
Start zone density Limited open terrain Isolated avalanche paths
avalanche paths leading
leading to valley bottom
to valley bottom
Solitary, well defined Multiple converging
Abrupt transitions or
Runout zone areas, smooth runout zones, confined
depressions with deep
characteristics transitions, spread deposition area, steep
deposits
deposits tracks overhead
Interaction with Single path or paths with Numerous and
Runout zones only
avalanche paths separation overlapping paths
A selection of choices of Limited chances to
Numerous, terrain allows
Route options multiple choices
varying exposure, options reduce exposure,
to avoid avalanche paths avoidance not possible
None, or limited
Isolated exposure to Frequent exposure to
Exposure time exposure crossing
start zones and tracks start zones and tracks
runouts only
Broken or steep
Generally smooth with
sections of crevasses,
Glaciation None isolated bands of
icefalls or serac
crevasses
exposure

Using this scale:

Any given piece of mountain terrain may have elements that will fit into multiple classes. Applying a terrain
exposure rating involves considering all of the variables described above, with some default priorities.

Terrain that qualifies under an italicized descriptor automatically defaults into that or a higher terrain
class. Non-italicized descriptors carry less weight and will not trigger a default, but must be considered
in combination with the other factors.

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