Snow and Avalanche Glossary

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Track

Also:

The middle part of an avalanche path below the starting zone and above the runout zone.

Within the track the highest speed will be attained. Deposition of debris will be minimal and typically limited to areas around trees, rocks, or other obstacles. The slope angle of the track does not need to be as great as that in the starting zone. They are usually over 15 degrees and more commonly 20-25 degrees.

Tracks can be divided into channeled flow tracks (gullies, couloirs, etc) and unchanneled or unconfined flow tracks (open slopes).

In a small path or a small avalanche the distinction between starting zone, track, and runout zone may be difficult to make.

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