The terrain where an avalanche can occur, start to finish.

Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center

An avalanche path describes the terrain where an avalanche can occur, from its starting point to its terminus. Classic avalanche paths are obvious, characterized by steep bowls that drain down treeless mountain sides, with mature trees marking the lateral and vertical extent of avalanche flow. Not all avalanche paths are as easy to recognize, though. Some are small features near creek beds or in gladed terrain, and avalanche paths above treeline lack obvious vegetation clues. Essentially any open or gladed snow-covered slope steeper than about 30 degrees has the potential to produce avalanches that can flow into lower angle terrain below. 

Avalanche paths aren’t always large, treeless channels draining off of mountain tops.  Some can be small, steep slopes like this.  Credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

During exceptionally destructive events, the boundaries of avalanche paths can be extended by debris destroying mature forests. Credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Not all avalanche paths give obvious vegetation clues. Slope angle is the most reliable way to identify an avalanche path. Slopes steeper than about 30 degrees have the potential to produce avalanches unless tree cover is dense.  Credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center.