HAZARD SIGNS

As a specific environment the high mountain entails multiple hazards that can be obvious or unpredictable. It is essential to use the highest caution and act in a responsible way in the high alpine: it is not secured, unsupervised and dangers are unmarked.

Below are the different signs used in these areas. They point out the main expected hazards.

crevasse
It is a hole that varies in width (up to 20m) and depth (up to 80m). Crevasses can be seen on the surface of the glacier, but can also be hidden beneath glacier surface. Its sides are made of snow and/or ice and can be slippery.
SNOW BRIDGE
A snow bridge is a layer of compact snow, under which hides a crevasse. It varies in thickness and strength. It can break under the weight of a person, resulting in a potentially dangerous fall, deep into the crevasse.
SLIDING
Made of snow, ice and hard snowfields (compacted remaining snow patches in summer), wet rock, etc., terrain in the high alpine can be extremely slippery in specific conditions. Even on a low angle slope, a fall can lead to a long slide and eventually dangerous and chaotic terrain.
avalanche
An avalanche is caused by a lose amount of snow, sliding down the mountain side. It can occur on low-angled and steep slopes, and can be naturally triggered or caused by a person or a group. This hazard remains high after a snow fall in summer.
ICEFALL
A serac is a gigantic block of ice (size may vary, from a car or a full-size building), which can collapse at any time and suddenly under its own weight.
ROCKFALL
Unstable rock slabs and blocks can suddenly break loose from a rock face or mountain side made of scree (e.i glacier moraine). The result is a rock and dirt avalanche roaming at high speed down the mountain side.
CORNICE
Formed by wind, a cornice is made of compact snow and ice. It overhangs a ridge line, high above the mountain face. It can collapse in a very unpredictable way, naturally or under a person’s weight.
FLASH FLOOD
The flow of a mountain creek or river can suddenly increase and carry everything downstream along the way.
>
<
HIGH MOUNTAINS START JUST OUTSIDE SECURED INFRASTRUCTURES.
HAZARDS ARE ANYWHERE BEYOND THIS LIMIT.
X
  • Crevasse
  • Snow bridge
  • Sliding
  • Avalanche
  • Cornice
  • Icefall/rockfall
  • Flash flood

HOW CAN WE DEFINE THE HIGH MOUNTAIN?
HOW TO STAY SAFE?

In the Alps what we refer to as the high mountain is basically the high altitude environment: high peaks, glaciers etc. Yet, low altitude glacier sections and side morraines can present similar hazards. Exposed to extreme weather conditions, these areas attract many outdoor fans in spite of the multiple inherent dangers. Entering the high alpine requires experience and knowledge in order to identify/ anticipate hazardous situation and avoid them at best.

Basic mountaineering skills are essential., such as roping up and using crampons, avoiding slipping and falling, glacier and fog navigating, progress efficiently and chose the right activity time, be physically prepared to altitude etc.

BY DEFINITION THE HIGH MONTAINS ARE UNMARKE, NOT SECURED, AND WITHOUT SURVEILLANCE FROM LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
ARE YOU EXPERIENCED AND PROPERLY EQUIPPED? IF NOT, PLEASE STAY IN SECURED AREAS OR USE THE SERVICE OF A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE

HIKERS SHOULD USE CAUTION !

Mid- altitude terrain also entails natural hazards. Remaining hard-packed snow fields can be slippery, rock fall and torrential floods are persisting dangers in the mountains in summer.

PROTECT YOURSELF !

Specific mountain shoes and clothes are useful even in secured areas. They will protect you from the wind and cold. Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from damaging your eyes and getting sunburnt. Remember that nice weather conditions can turn into extreme without warning. Rehydrating regularly is also essential in the alpine.

HAZARD SIGN KIT

Please fill this form to obtain our hazard sign kit.

Our information kit includes printable files and user-friendly manual. It is available in French-English, and Italian-English.

The kit includes :

  • A general information board (100 x 200cm)
  • 8 hazard signs and markers for specific hazards (crevasse, snow gridge, Slipping, avalanche, cornice, ice and rock falls, torrential floods)
  • A leaflet (10 x 15)

Download the leaflet


English

French

Italian

The signs created specifically for high mountain hazard shown in this manual integrate the ALCOTRA European project, France and Italy 2014-2020 PREVRISKMontagne.