# AI tells a backcountry skier that a slope under 30 degrees is safe from avalanches on a High (Level 4) danger day, ignoring terrain traps and convexities

- **ID:** `safety/avalanche-terrain-traps`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 82%

## Root Cause

Avalanche danger is not solely determined by slope angle; terrain traps like gullies, cliffs, and convex rolls can amplify risk even on sub-30-degree slopes, and High danger days often involve persistent weak layers that propagate from adjacent steeper terrain.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| avalanche.ca forecast 2025-01-15 | active | — | — |
| CAIC forecast 2025-02-10 | active | — | — |
| AIARE Level 1 curriculum 2024 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Use the Avalanche Canada or CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) terrain assessment checklist: evaluate slope angle (use inclinometer), identify terrain traps (gullies, cliffs, trees), check recent avalanche activity, and dig a snow pit to assess weak layers. Example: 'If slope is 28 degrees but has a convex roll at the top and a gully below, avoid it even on Moderate danger.'** (85% success)
   ```
   Use the Avalanche Canada or CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) terrain assessment checklist: evaluate slope angle (use inclinometer), identify terrain traps (gullies, cliffs, trees), check recent avalanche activity, and dig a snow pit to assess weak layers. Example: 'If slope is 28 degrees but has a convex roll at the top and a gully below, avoid it even on Moderate danger.'
   ```
2. **Consult the daily avalanche forecast (e.g., from avalanche.ca or utahavalanchecenter.org) for specific terrain recommendations. Example: 'For Level 4 danger, the forecast may state: 'Avoid all avalanche terrain, including slopes under 30 degrees with terrain traps.'** (90% success)
   ```
   Consult the daily avalanche forecast (e.g., from avalanche.ca or utahavalanchecenter.org) for specific terrain recommendations. Example: 'For Level 4 danger, the forecast may state: 'Avoid all avalanche terrain, including slopes under 30 degrees with terrain traps.'
   ```
3. **Take an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 course to learn to identify terrain traps and assess snowpack. Example: 'In the field, use the 'terrain trap' checklist: Is there a gully? A cliff below? A convexity? If yes, treat as avalanche terrain regardless of slope angle.'** (88% success)
   ```
   Take an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 course to learn to identify terrain traps and assess snowpack. Example: 'In the field, use the 'terrain trap' checklist: Is there a gully? A cliff below? A convexity? If yes, treat as avalanche terrain regardless of slope angle.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Slope angle is one factor; terrain traps and snowpack structure are critical. Many avalanche fatalities occur on slopes under 30 degrees due to terrain traps. (65% fail)
- **** — The North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale (1-5) is standard, but misinterpreting Level 4 as 'avoid only steep slopes' ignores that Level 4 means 'very dangerous avalanche conditions' even on moderate terrain. (70% fail)
- **** — Persistent weak layers (e.g., faceted snow, depth hoar) can remain unstable for weeks, making snowpack assessment unreliable without digging a pit. (75% fail)