Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)

The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is a tool used to assess how risky certain areas are for avalanches. It categorizes terrain into four levels, from low (Type 1) to extreme (Type 4), based on factors like slope angle, complexity, and history of avalanches. Lower levels are generally safer, while higher levels indicate more dangerous terrain that demands greater caution. ATES helps skiers, snowboarders, and rescue teams make informed decisions to reduce avalanche risk by understanding how different terrains influence the likelihood and potential severity of avalanches.