The US Snow Stability (Instability, Hazard) Rating Scale

Description

A rating scale for snow stability (alternatively snow instability or hazard) is used in the United States to describe the potential risk for an avalanche to develop. The stability (or instability) of the snow mass is used to describe where an avalanche can be expected to occur.

Grade	Snow Status	Risk of Avalanche on Steep Slopes/Gullies
low instability/hazard	mostly stable snow	low and as an isolated event
moderate instability/hazard	areas of unstable snow	possible
high instability/hazard	mostly unstable snow	probable
extreme instability/hazard	widespread unstable snow	very high and potentially destructive

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10