Backcountry Ski Touring Routes & Avalanche Maps Topical Map

Avalanche forecasts use a 5-level danger scale (Low, Moderate, Considerable, High, Very High) paired with problem types and elevation/aspect overlays — always read the problem table first to identify the expected avalanche type and spatial distribution, then use the map to see which elevations and aspects are affected for your planned route.

At minimum load elevation contours (10–20 m), slope-angle shading (30°+), aspect shading, avalanche path overlays, recent avalanche observations, and the official regional avalanche bulletin layer; combine these with your intended GPX track to assess exposure on maped steep terrain.

Use slope-angle shading or a digital slope-angle tool: slopes between ~30° and 45° are most avalanche-prone; identify continuous convex slopes, wind-loaded lee aspects, and isolated snow-filled gullies on contour/DEM-derived angle layers to flag high-risk terrain.

No — avalanche maps and bulletins are essential but not sufficient; you must combine them with current observations (snowpack tests, recent avalanche activity), on-snow assessment, group skill levels, and human-factor checks to make a defensible decision in the field.

Use mapping apps that support offline tiles and custom layers (e.g., FATMAP, Gaia, CalTopo/Freemap) and export GPX from your route planner; save regional avalanche bulletin PDFs and recent observations to your device before leaving cell coverage.

Free tools like regional avalanche centre maps, CalTopo (free features), and Swiss Geoportal are strong for base data; paid apps (FATMAP, Gaia, ViewRanger with premium DEM slope layers) add high-resolution slope-angle shading, offline tiles, and easier GPX integration for efficient route planning.

Match route exposure to the least experienced or least confident party member, enforce pre-tour checklists and decision gates, avoid high-consequence terrain when group dynamics are degraded, and use scripted turn-back thresholds tied to forecast danger and observed instability.

Read the problem type, likely triggerability, vertical distribution, and spatial variability: persistent slab suggests deep, hard-to-identify weaknesses requiring conservative terrain selection, while wind slab signals recent loading on lee aspects and localized high hazard — plan accordingly.

Include topographic maps with slope-angle/aspect overlays, common avalanche paths, approach and bailout routes, seasonal cornice locations, GPS waypoints, parking and legal access details, and links to the nearest avalanche centre bulletin and recent incident reports.

DEM-derived slope-angle layers are generally accurate enough for route-level planning but can miss micro-features and small convexities; always verify steepness and continuity in the field before committing to a run, especially near cliffs, gullies, and wind-loaded features.

Export your GPX route or draw the line on a mapping tool with slope-angle and aspect layers visible, annotate hazard sections (e.g., 'steep runout 350–420 m, lee aspect'), add forecast headline and decision thresholds, and export as PDF sized for a laminated card or printed map.

Provide clear disclaimers about forecast currency and personal responsibility, attribute official avalanche centre data, avoid publishing precise GPS locations of sensitive access points when restricted, and include safety guidance — never present your content as a substitute for formal avalanche education.