How can avalanches be reduced

Experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours—but local variables can extend that time. Always check the avalanche forecast go to avalanche. Pack an inclinometer or a compass with one built in for the most accurate measurement. To use a built-in inclinometer, lay a ski or trekking pole on the slope. The red areas are considered too dangerous to be built on. The orange areas can be built on with restrictions, such as reinforcing buildings. Roads and railways can be protected by tunnels over them in the areas where an avalanche path is likely to travel.

These can be used to divert and break up the path of the avalanche. Trees can be planted, increasing stability of the slope and helping to reduce the damage further down the valley.

Management of avalanches. Credit: Mr. Stefan Margreth. In addition to the threat to human life, avalanches can cause tremendous damage to buildings and property. They can also close roads, cover train tracks and disrupt local economies.

So, ski patrols and other organizations usually take steps to prevent major avalanches. One technique is to deliberately trigger small, controlled avalanches when no one is on the slope.

Staff and researchers first study the snowpack either by digging pits and analyzing each layer or by using radar technology. They then start an avalanche with explosives or artillery fire. On small test slopes , they may also perform ski checking by deliberately skiing along fracture lines high on the slope. People performing ski checking always work with at least one partner, who remains in a safe location in the event that the skier gets caught in the avalanche.

Other techniques involve preventing the conditions that lead to avalanches or interrupting the flow of snow. In some locations, fences, posts, nets, anchors and windbreaks change the way snow collects, reduce the size of the slab or provide physical obstacles in the event of an avalanche.

Authorities in parts of the United States and Canada have also reforested areas that underwent heavy logging clear-cutting in avalanche-prone areas is illegal in most of Europe.