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

- **ID:** `safety/avalanche-terrain-forecast-ignore`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Error Code:** `AVALANCHE-SAFETY-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 75%

## Root Cause

Avalanche danger ratings (European/Canadian/US 1-5 scale) consider terrain complexity, not just slope angle; Level 4 (High) means natural and human-triggered avalanches likely on many aspects, including slopes below 30 degrees if wind-loaded or connected to trigger zones above

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Avalanche Danger Scale 1.0 (North American) | active | — | — |
| EAWS Danger Scale 2022 (European) | active | — | — |
| InfoEx avalanche bulletin format v3 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use the Avalanche Danger Scale correctly: Level 4 (High) means avoid all avalanche terrain, including slopes under 30 degrees if they are connected to steeper terrain or wind-loaded. Check the local avalanche forecast (e.g., https://avalanche.org) and apply the Avaluator or similar decision framework.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use the Avalanche Danger Scale correctly: Level 4 (High) means avoid all avalanche terrain, including slopes under 30 degrees if they are connected to steeper terrain or wind-loaded. Check the local avalanche forecast (e.g., https://avalanche.org) and apply the Avaluator or similar decision framework.
   ```
2. **Implement a rule: if danger rating is 4 or 5, do not travel in or below any slope steeper than 25 degrees, and avoid cross-loading zones. Use terrain traps (gullies, cliffs) as additional risk factors.** (80% success)
   ```
   Implement a rule: if danger rating is 4 or 5, do not travel in or below any slope steeper than 25 degrees, and avoid cross-loading zones. Use terrain traps (gullies, cliffs) as additional risk factors.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Assume any slope under 30 degrees is always safe regardless of danger rating** — Wind loading can create unstable slabs on low-angle slopes; connectivity to steeper terrain above increases risk (70% fail)
- **Only check slope angle using a phone app without considering recent weather or avalanche bulletin** — Slope angle alone does not account for snowpack structure, recent loading, or persistent weak layers; bulletins provide critical context (60% fail)