Do avalanches happen in the UK?

Yes. Scottish mountains regularly experience avalanche conditions from November to April. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) reports approximately 200 avalanches per year, with several fatal incidents. The Cairngorms, Ben Nevis range, and Glencoe are the most affected areas. Even small avalanches can be fatal.

What slope angle is most dangerous?

Most slab avalanches release on slopes between 30-45 degrees. The peak danger zone is 35-40 degrees. Below 25 degrees, slab avalanches are rare. Above 50 degrees, snow tends to slough off frequently rather than building dangerous slabs. Knowing how to judge slope angle is a critical winter skill.

What is wind loading?

Wind transports snow from windward slopes and deposits it on leeward (sheltered) slopes, creating dense wind slabs. These slabs can be 2-3 times denser than the snow beneath them, creating a perfect trigger for avalanches. In the UK, prevailing west/southwest winds load northeast-facing slopes most frequently.

What safety equipment should I carry?

Essential avalanche safety equipment: avalanche transceiver (switched on and worn under your outer layer), probe, and shovel. This allows you to find and dig out a buried companion. Training in their use is essential — carry without training gives false confidence. Consider an airbag pack for high-risk routes.

Where can I check UK avalanche forecasts?

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) publishes daily forecasts for six areas: Northern Cairngorms, Southern Cairngorms, Glencoe, Lochaber, Creag Meagaidh, and Torridon. Check sais.gov.uk before any winter hill day in Scotland. The Met Office MWIS also provides relevant mountain weather data.

CampCalcs

Avalanche Risk Calculator

Assess avalanche risk factors including slope angle, snow conditions and recent weather.

Slope Angle

25-45° is avalanche terrain

Aspect (Slope faces)

Recent Snowfall (48h)

Wind Loading

Temperature Trend

How We Calculate This

Risk Score (0-100)

Combines: slope angle (5-35), aspect (5-15), recent snowfall (0-30), wind loading (0-25), and temperature trend (0-25).

Danger Levels (European Scale)

1-Low, 2-Moderate, 3-Considerable, 4-High, 5-Very High. Most fatal accidents occur at levels 2-3 when people underestimate the danger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate the wind chill factor and feels-like temperature for exposed skin.

Heat Index Calculator

Calculate the heat index from temperature and humidity with safety warnings.

UV Exposure Calculator

Estimate safe sun exposure time based on UV index, skin type and altitude.

Lightning Distance Calculator

Calculate lightning distance using the flash-to-bang method and assess safety.

Sunset Time Calculator

Estimate sunrise and sunset times based on date and UK latitude.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.