An avalanche typically occurs in mountainous terrain. Slopes flatter than 28 degrees or steeper than 55 degrees typically have a lower incidence of avalanche occurrence; likewise slopes with windward and sunny exposure have a lower incidence of avalanche hazard.
Generally, causes of avalanche formation can be found within 7 sets of factors (EVALUATION of all these factors is always required in snow avalanche prediction):
- Slope inclination
- Snowpack conditions
- Wind action
- Slope direction
- Temperature
- Weak snow layers
- Ground surface conditions
