Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale

Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) v.1/04

Description	Class	Terrain Criteria
Simple	1	Exposure to long angle or primarily forested terrain. Some forest openings may involve the runout zones of infrequent avalanches. Many options to reduce or eliminate exposure. No glacier travel.
Challenging	2	Exposure to well defined avalanche paths, starting zones or terrain traps; options exist to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful routefinding. Glacier travel is straightforward but crevasse hazard may exist.
Complex	3	Exposure to multiple overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain; multiple avalanche starting zones or terrain traps below; minial options to reduce exposure. Complicated glacier travel with extensive crevasse bands or icefalls.

The detailed technical criteria for Simple, Challenging and Complex ratings are available from the Parks Canada website

ATES Terrain Ratings for SW BC Destinations

Official CAA ATES ratings are set by avalanche professionals who are memebers of the Canadian Avalanche Association. VOC ATES ratings are suggest by VOC members for interim use until CAA avalanche professional rates these trips

Trip	Description	CAA ATES Rating[1]	VOC ATES Rating
Elfin Lakes Shelter	From Diamond Head parking lot along the marked route on the top of Paul Ridge to the Elfin Lakes Shelter	Simple
Roe Creek to Brew Hut	See Roe Creek Ski Route page.		Challenging
Black Tusk	Approach from Garibaldi lake or microwave towers. Objective is skiing slopes just below final rock summit	Complex
Black Tusk East Knob	Approach from Garibaldi Lake with objective of skiing terrain above Black Tusk Meadows up as high as the summit of the east knob		Challenging
Anniversary Glacier	Keith's Hut to Matier - Joffre col. Exposed traverse beneath SE Face of Joffre Peak to gain the Anniversary Glacier is the crux of the route	Complex
Cayoosh Mtn		Complex
Cerise Creek to Keith's Hut		Challenging
Garibaldi Neve Traverse		Challenging
Hurley Silver Mine		Complex
Joffre Lakes		Challenging
Marriot Basin Cabin		Simple
Needle Bowl		Challenging
Rainbow Mountain		Challenging
Rohr Ridge		Challenging
Steep Creek		Complex
Thar Basin		Complex
Van Horlick		Complex
Vantage Peak		Challenging
Zoa Peak		Challenging
Corona		Complex
Husume		Complex
Mount Seymour	Ski area parking lot to third peak	Simple
Mt Decker		Complex
Mt Fissile		Complex
Mt Phalanx & Poop Chutes		Complex
Mt Whirlwind		Challenging
Singing Pass Area	Includes Musical Bumps (Flute, Oboe), Singing Pass, Cowboy Ridge and Russet Ridge	Challenging
Spearhead Traverse		Complex