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This conceptual model of avalanche hazard identifies the key components of avalanche hazard and structures them into a systematic, consistent workflow for hazard and risk assessments. The method is applicable to all types of avalanche forecasting operations, and the underlying principles can be applied at any scale in space or time. The concept of an avalanche problem is introduced, describing how different types of avalanche problems directly influence the assessment and management of the risk. Four sequential questions are shown to structure the assessment of avalanche hazard, namely: (1) What type of avalanche problem(s) exists? (2) Where are these problems located in the terrain? (3) How likely is it that an avalanche will occur? and (4) How big will the avalanche be? Our objective was to develop an underpinning for qualitative hazard and risk assessments and address this knowledge gap in the avalanche forecasting literature. We used judgmental decomposition to elicit the avalanche forecasting process from forecasters and then described it within a risk-based framework that is consistent with other natural hazards disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author emphasizes the need to change the avalanche danger ratings. He mentions his role in the Avalanche Danger Scale Project (ADSP). He stresses that the avalanche phenomenon is complex and uncertain. He believes simplicity is another name for half-truth. He considers Drew Hardesty's suggestion to have an X after the danger rating is an idea worthy of discussion.

The article focuses on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale. It aims to show a relative measure of avalanche danger corresponding with a set of definitions for each of the five danger levels, while a danger rating used for ranking avalanche danger for a period of time over a specific region. The scale consists of signal words, numbers, words, colors, and scale. On the scale's travel advice column, the avalanche conditions are described with corresponding advice offered. A discussion on the impact of the scale on the avalanche risk management.

The article offers the author's insights on his experience working as director of the U.S. Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) with topics including the development of avalanche forecasting, its media coverage, and its avalanche awareness videos.

The article offers information on the weather conditions, winter and snow records in Utah from the Utah Avalanche Center.

The article chronicles the history of the "The Avalance Review" (TAR) magazine. Sue Ferguson brought with her the publication of the magazine from Seattle, Washington to Utah in 1983 when she accepted the job at the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. The author took over from Ferguson the position of the magazine's editor in 1986 while working as avalanche hazard forecaster for the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. Before she left, Ferguson converted the magazine to an all-digital publication.

The article discusses the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) that was held in Utah in 2015.

The article focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of social media.

The article presents an obituary for mountaineer, field man and mentor John Montagne.

To provide guidance to the general public, clinicians, and avalanche professionals about best practices, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to revise the evidence-based guidelines for the prevention, rescue, and resuscitation of avalanche and nonavalanche snow burial victims. The original panel authored the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Avalanche and Nonavalanche Snow Burial Accidents in 2017. A second panel was convened to update these guidelines and make recommendations based on quality of supporting evidence.