ISSW 2026 Whislter, BC

ATES FOR OPERATIONAL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE USA FOR MOTORIZED

AND NON-MOTORIZED GROUPS

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Lee K. Blazek1,2,3*

1Avalanche Savvy, Steamboat Springs, CO, USA

2American Avalanche Association (A3)

3Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA

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ABSTRACT: The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is widely used to classify avalanche terrain for recreational trip planning, yet its role in structured operational decision-making remains underdeveloped in the USA as opposed to Canada. Professional programs—guiding operations, avalanche education providers, and organized recreation groups—must repeatedly select terrain under changing hazard conditions while managing participants with varying experience, led by staff with different qualifications.

 

This paper adapts ATES from a static terrain classification into a practical tool for Operational Terrain Management (OTM) that explicitly incorporates guide and instructor qualification.

We present a structured method and matrices relating ATES class, daily avalanche danger, leader qualification, supervision level, and travel mode to predefined terrain allowances and constraints, with qualification drawn from the American Avalanche Association (A3) pro certifications and membership held by guides, instructors, and supervising staff, on terrain class. It assumes a catalogue of operational terrain units rated using ATES. Limitations for operational use are examined—map-scale resolution, terrain

interpretation variability, micro-terrain below regional resolution, and motorized-specific travel with recommendations for organizations adopting the framework.

 

KEYWORDS: Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES), Operational Terrain Management, Terrain

Management, Scales of Travel in Avalanche Terrain, Snowmobiling and Motorized Travel

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PDF ORIGINAL PAPER: ATES FOR OPERATIONAL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE USA FOR MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED GROUPS

PDF POSTER: ATES FOR OPERATIONAL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE USA FOR MOTORIZED AND NON-MOTORIZED GROUPS

SUMMARY A4 GRAPHIC