Europe: avalanche hazard map

The map shows that the avalanche hazard is widespread among all European mountain regions famous for winter sport activities, without displaying a general local frequency or probability, as this is not feasible due to changing weather conditions and to the very local dimension of avalanche phenomena.

The avalanche hazard map just displays those NUTS3 areas in which avalanches may occur. Since people moving in avalanche-prone areas trigger most avalanches with losses of human life, reliable data was difficult to obtain on avalanches in those mountain regions that do not belong to the major tourist areas. The avalanche hazard might therefore appear exaggerated in areas that have lower mountains and less snow than others, as it depicts areas with existing information on avalanches (e.g. Scotland). Areas that might bear higher possible hazards of avalanches and do not have extensive tourism might therefore not be represented.