Avalanche Forecasts tell you the expected frequency of avalanches in the area, but specific slopes within that area may be more dangerous than the surrounding region. Avalanches occur most frequently on slopes steeper than 35°. Click here to learn about Slope Angles.
Click here to watch a YouTube video about how to use onX Backcountry for skiing.
Table of Contents:
- Avalanche Forecasts in the onX Backcountry App.
- Avalanche Incident Reports in the onX Backcountry App.
- Avalanche Forecasts in the onX Backcountry Web Map.
- Avalanche Incident Reports in the onX Backcountry Web Map.
Avalanche Forecasts in the onX Backcountry App
Make sure the Activity Button is set to Snow Mode.
Open the Basemaps and Map Layers Menu.
Turn on the Avalanche Forecast Layer to view color-coded Avalanche Xones on your map.
Click here to learn more about using Basemaps, Map Layers, and 3D Mode.
Avalanche Forecast zones are color-coded by the level of danger. "Avalanche Danger No Data" means the American Avalanche Association has not updated the forecast for the area shaded grey in more than 24 hours, so use caution.
- Grey - no rating: watch for signs of unstable snow such as recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.
- Green - low danger: generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
- Yellow - moderate danger: heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
- Orange - considerable danger: dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential.
- Red - high danger: very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
- Black with red letters - extreme danger: avoid all avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Incident Reports in the onX Backcountry App
Avalanche Incidents are indicated by the "skull-and-mountain" icon and are displayed on the map when the onX Backcountry App is in Snow Mode. The Avalanche Forecast Layer does not need to be turned on to view Avalanche Incidents. Click here for instructions on how to use the Map Mode Menu.
Tap the Avalanche Incident icon to view the Incident Report in the info card.
Avalanche Forecasts in the onX Backcountry Web Map
Turn on Avalanche Forecasts in the Map Mode Menu. Click here for instructions on how to use the Map Mode Menu.
Click Avalanche Forecasts to view color-coded Avalanche zones on your map.
Avalanche Forecast zones are color-coded by the level of danger. "Avalanche Danger No Data" means the American Avalanche Association has not updated the forecast for the area shaded grey in more than 24 hours, so use caution.
- Grey - no rating: watch for signs of unstable snow such as recent avalanches, cracking in the snow, and audible collapsing. Avoid traveling on or under similar slopes.
- Green - low danger: generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
- Yellow - moderate danger: heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
- Orange - considerable danger: dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential.
- Red - high danger: very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
- Black with red letters - extreme danger: avoid all avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Incident Reports in the onX Backcountry Web Map
Avalanche Incidents are indicated by the "skull-and-mountain" icon and are displayed on the map when the onX Backcountry App is in Snow Mode. The Avalanche Forecast Layer does not need to be turned on to view Avalanche Incidents. Click here for instructions on how to use the Map Mode Menu.
Tap the Avalanche Incident icon to view the Incident Report in the info card.