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

- **ID:** `safety/avalanche-slope-30-degrees`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `AVALANCHE-009`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 84%

## Root Cause

On High (Level 4) avalanche danger days, avalanches can run out onto lower-angle terrain (25-30 degrees) from steeper start zones above; remotely triggered avalanches are common from flat areas.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| standard | active | — | — |
| software | active | — | — |
| tool | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **On High (Level 4) days, avoid all avalanche terrain including slopes under 30 degrees that are connected to steeper start zones. Use the CAIC danger rating: `python3 -c "import requests; r=requests.get('https://api.avalanche.org/v2/forecasts?zone=CO').json(); print('Danger level:', r['danger_rating'])"`** (85% success)
   ```
   On High (Level 4) days, avoid all avalanche terrain including slopes under 30 degrees that are connected to steeper start zones. Use the CAIC danger rating: `python3 -c "import requests; r=requests.get('https://api.avalanche.org/v2/forecasts?zone=CO').json(); print('Danger level:', r['danger_rating'])"`
   ```
2. **Perform a compression test and ECT (Extended Column Test) on any slope you plan to ski. If the test fails (ECTP or ECTX), abort. Command: `python3 -c "test=input('ECT result (ECTP/ECTX/ECTN): '); print('DO NOT ski' if test in ['ECTP','ECTX'] else 'Proceed with caution')"`** (80% success)
   ```
   Perform a compression test and ECT (Extended Column Test) on any slope you plan to ski. If the test fails (ECTP or ECTX), abort. Command: `python3 -c "test=input('ECT result (ECTP/ECTX/ECTN): '); print('DO NOT ski' if test in ['ECTP','ECTX'] else 'Proceed with caution')"`
   ```
3. **Travel one at a time on all slopes, even low-angle ones. Use safe island zones (trees, ridges) for regrouping. Verify with: `python3 -c "print('On High danger: ski only slopes <25 deg with no overhead hazard, one at a time')"`** (78% success)
   ```
   Travel one at a time on all slopes, even low-angle ones. Use safe island zones (trees, ridges) for regrouping. Verify with: `python3 -c "print('On High danger: ski only slopes <25 deg with no overhead hazard, one at a time')"`
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Assuming 30 degrees is safe ignores that avalanches can propagate from steeper terrain above; even 20-degree slopes can slide with persistent weak layers. (70% fail)
- **** — Checking only slope angle without evaluating snowpack stability (e.g., ignoring buried weak layers) leads to false confidence. (65% fail)
- **** — Relying on a single avalanche beacon check without companion rescue training gives a false sense of security. (55% fail)