Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale

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

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

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

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