ASC Avalanche Forecasting & Danger Ratings

Question 1

How many danger levels are on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

The North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale has 5 levels: Low, Moderate, Considerable, High, and Extreme.

Question 2

Which avalanche danger level is associated with the highest number of avalanche fatalities historically?

Accepted Answer

Considerable (3)

Answer

Considerable (Level 3) is associated with the most avalanche fatalities because it is the level at which human-triggered avalanches become likely and many travelers underestimate the risk.

Question 3

On the North American Avalanche Danger Scale, at which danger level are 'natural and human-triggered avalanches certain'?

Accepted Answer

Extreme (5)

Answer

At Extreme (Level 5), natural and human-triggered avalanches are certain, and large to very large avalanches will occur.

Question 4

What does the term 'avalanche problem' refer to in a forecast?

Accepted Answer

The type of snow instability likely to produce avalanches

Answer

An avalanche problem describes the type of snow instability present — such as Wind Slab, Storm Slab, or Persistent Weak Layer — that is most likely to produce avalanches.

Question 5

Which organization is primarily responsible for issuing public avalanche forecasts in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The National Avalanche Center (NAC) and regional avalanche centers

Answer

The National Avalanche Center (NAC) coordinates a network of regional avalanche centers that issue public forecasts across the US.

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

ASC Avalanche Forecasting & Danger Ratings