# AI tells a backcountry skier that a slope under 30 degrees is safe from avalanches on a High (Level 4) danger day, or that trees provide protection from avalanches

- **ID:** `safety/avalanche-slope-30-degrees-high-danger`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `CAIC-2024-avalanche-safety`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

While 30 degrees is the most common slope angle for avalanche release, avalanches can occur on slopes as low as 25 degrees, especially on High danger days when weak layers are widespread; trees do not prevent avalanches — they can be snapped off or buried, and tree wells (open spaces around trunks) create additional hazards; avalanche risk is determined by terrain, snowpack, and weather, not just slope angle.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| CAIC Avalanche Danger Scale 2024 | active | — | — |
| Avalanche Canada Terrain Rating 2023 | active | — | — |
| AIARE 1 Course Manual 2024 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **On High (Level 4) danger days, avoid avalanche terrain entirely — this includes slopes over 25 degrees, terrain traps (gullies, cliffs, trees), and slopes with wind-loading; stick to slopes under 25 degrees with no terrain above** (90% success)
   ```
   On High (Level 4) danger days, avoid avalanche terrain entirely — this includes slopes over 25 degrees, terrain traps (gullies, cliffs, trees), and slopes with wind-loading; stick to slopes under 25 degrees with no terrain above
   ```
2. **Use the Avaluator or similar terrain rating system: avoid 'Class 2' (challenging) and 'Class 3' (complex) terrain on High danger days; only travel in 'Class 1' (simple) terrain with no overhead hazard** (85% success)
   ```
   Use the Avaluator or similar terrain rating system: avoid 'Class 2' (challenging) and 'Class 3' (complex) terrain on High danger days; only travel in 'Class 1' (simple) terrain with no overhead hazard
   ```
3. **Carry and know how to use avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel); take an AIARE 1 course to learn terrain assessment, snowpack evaluation, and rescue techniques; never travel alone in the backcountry** (80% success)
   ```
   Carry and know how to use avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel); take an AIARE 1 course to learn terrain assessment, snowpack evaluation, and rescue techniques; never travel alone in the backcountry
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Assume '30 degrees is the magic number' because most education materials cite it; but on High danger days, avalanches can release from 25-degree slopes, and terrain traps (gullies, cliffs) amplify consequences (95% fail)
- **** — Think trees act as 'anchors' that hold snow in place; trees can actually create weak layers (depth hoar) around trunks and are often broken by avalanches, becoming projectiles (90% fail)
- **** — Believe a slope that hasn't slid yet is 'safe' because it's stable; but persistent weak layers can remain dormant for weeks and release with a single skier's weight — the absence of recent avalanches is not evidence of safety (85% fail)