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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