High is uncommon but serious. When warning services issue level 4, they expect widespread instability: triggering is likely even from low additional loads on many steep slopes, and large natural avalanches are on the table.
Snowpack stability
The snowpack is poorly bonded on most steep slopes.
Likelihood of triggering
Triggering is likely, even from low additional loads, on many steep slopes. In some cases, numerous large and often very large natural avalanches can be expected.
What this means in practice
Triggering is likely, even from low additional loads, on many steep slopes. In some cases, numerous large and often very large natural avalanches can be expected.
Typical danger signs
Widespread recent avalanche activity, cracking, “Whumpf” sounds. Remote triggering of avalanches is typical.
Season & fatalities (EAWS)
- Forecasted only on a few days throughout the winter.
- Around 10% of avalanche fatalities.
These figures come from the European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS). Low and moderate days cover most of the season — yet considerable (level 3) accounts for about half of fatalities. High (level 4) is rare but still claims around 10% of victims.
Official source
Snowpack stability and likelihood of triggering on this page follow the official EAWS danger scale text.
EAWS avalanche danger scale →