Snow and Avalanche Glossary

[Click here to return to the page you came from!]

Avalanche Control

Also: Control Work

Any measure taken to control the size and frequency of avalanches or to direct the path of an avalanche. This includes stabilization by explosives, ski-cutting, and other active means as well as passive methods such as diversion and anchoring structures.

The act of carrying out active avalanche control is often called control work. Road, ski runs, or other areas may be closed during control work. Early in the year many advisories remind people that ski areas are not carrying out avalanche control work yet, meaning their terrain is the same as the backcountry.

Questions or suggestions on this entry? Discuss them on our forums!

This glossary is a work in progress and is made possible by AlpenPro.

www.avalanche-center.org