Join in - help make the avalanche danger scale easier to understand

1993 – The European Avalanche Danger Scale is introduced. Five levels standardised across the entire Alpine region. At the time, this was an absolute milestone in avalanche warning and communication of avalanche danger. 

In the early 1990s, there were fax machines, typewriters and teletext – the internet was still uncharted territory for most people. Today – in 2026 – we scroll through high-resolution weather maps on our mobile phones, use bulletin apps, social media and GPS, and the European Avalanche Danger Scale is now used all over Europe. But the description of the danger levels? It is still almost exactly the same as it was over 30 years ago. Yet our knowledge of avalanches has advanced significantly over the last 30 years. Avalanche forecasters' assessment of avalanche danger has also become more systematic, with new concepts, terms and definitions. And you, the users of avalanche bulletins, have also changed, whether you are avalanche professionals or occasional ski tourers.

So it is time to rethink the avalanche danger scale. The European avalanche warning services have been working together on this for the last six years. The five levels remain the same. Their application by avalanche forecasters also remains the same. But the language is to become clearer and more understandable. Away from technical terms, towards descriptions that are intuitively understandable for everyone. Even without extensive prior knowledge, it should be immediately clear: the higher the level, the greater the danger. 

And that's exactly why we need your opinion. Take part in our survey. Help us improve the language of the avalanche danger scale. ⏱️ Duration: approx. 10 minutes.

Not an avalanche expert, but a beginner? Then it's even more important that you take part. Because the revised scale should be understandable for you too.

• English: https://uitpsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1UfViWwRyF2Xxsi?Q_Language=EN
• Deutsch: https://uitpsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1UfViWwRyF2Xxsi?Q_Language=DE
• Français: https://uitpsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1UfViWwRyF2Xxsi?Q_Language=FR 

• Italiano: https://uitpsych.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1UfViWwRyF2Xxsi?Q_Language=IT

   

Thank you very much.

The European Avalanche Warning Services EAWS

Avalanche warning services in Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland