Avalanche Hazard Mapping

   Avalanches involve rapid, down-slope movement of snow, ice and potentially other debris. Avalanches can occur on any snow-covered slope, and can cause death, injury, and property damage. Avalanche hazard can vary dramatically with differences in terrain, weather, and snow-pack. 

USA Major Ranges Map - click lower right

Avalanche science is evolving, and maps of avalanche hazard covering all affected areas of the entire United States are not presently available. Ski areas, highway departments, and forecast centers (see below) may produce hazard maps and atlases. Geologic/natural hazard maps may depict avalanche hazard. Local studies of avalanche hazard may be conducted by independent consulting firms in order to meet building or planning requirements.

   The USFS National Avalanche Center is the primary federal agency for avalanche related information. We recommend visiting their site to learn more about the avalanche phenomenon. The USFS, state agencies, and private donors provide funding for regional avalanche centers. However, not all avalanche prone areas are covered by avalanche centers, and not all avalanche centers provide avalanche hazard maps or map-based forecasts. Avalanche centers are listed below.

    To learn more about avalanche hazards in your area, contact the appropriate local, state or federal agency. If you plan to ski, snowboard, snowmobile, or otherwise travel in avalanche prone terrain, learn more about the avalanche phenomenon and take an avalanche safety or awareness class. If you plan to build, develop, or inhabit areas subject to avalanche hazards, consult a qualified professional regarding the hazard, your risk, and options for mitigation. The information on this site is only intended as an educational tool to help you get started. By using it you are subject to our terms of use.

Resources - USA

MSAC Potential Avalanche Starting Zones Map -Mt Eddy

Northern Rockies- ID, MT, WY

Idaho Panhandle National Forest Avalanche Advisory

Payette Avalanche Center (ID)

 Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center

 Glacier Country Avalanche Center -GCAC (MT)

 West Central Montana Avalanche Center (Missoula Area)

 Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (MT)

*Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center -BTNFAC (WY)

BTNFAC Map-Based Advisory Page

Central Rockies - UT, CO

*Utah Avalanche Center- UAC

UAC Maps Page

UAC GIS Maps

UAC Interactive Map

*Colorado Avalanche Information Center - CAIC

CAIC Map-Based Advisory Page

Desert Southwest- NM, AZ, Southern CA

Sierra Avalanche Center - map-based forecast (CA)

 Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center -ESAC (CA)

ESAC Interactive Map Page

 Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center KPAC (AZ)

KPAC MAPS Page

 Northern New Mexico Avalanche Center

Northeast- NH

Mount Washington Avalanche Center (NH)

State-Specific Resources

For state-specific information, contact your State Geologist and  your State Office of Emergency Management. At a local level, contact your city or county  emergency management, planning, zoning, environmental and/or health office/department.

American Avalanche Association (AAA) - Professional association for avalanche workers: forecasters, researchers, guides, patrollers, engineers, geologists, instructors, etc.

Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) - Same as above for Canada. Also provides classes and forecasts for professionals and recreationalists. 

American Institute for Avalanche Research & Educatio (AIARE) - Provider of avalanche education.

Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies (CSAS)- Provides resources for field-based avalanche research and education.

International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) - Scientific conference held in even-numbered years in various locations worldwide. Presentations, posters, and publications of snow/avalanche science related topics.

Avalanche.org - Website for all things avalanche related.