Términos de Avalancha
C
- Collapse
When the fracture of a lower snow layer causes an upper layer to fall. Also called a whumpf, this is an obvious sign of instability.
- Concave Slopes
A terrain feature that is rounded inward like the inside of a bowl, i.e. goes from more steep to less steep.
- Considerable Danger
Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making essential. Natural avalanches possible; human triggered avalanches likely. Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.
- Convex Slopes
A terrain feature that is curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle, i.e. goes from less steep to more steep. Convex slopes tend to be less safe than concave slopes.
- Corn Snow
Large-grained, rounded crystals formed from repeated melting and freezing of the snow.
- Cornice
A mass of snow deposited by the wind, often overhanging, and usually near a sharp terrain break such as a ridge. Cornices can break off unexpectedly and should be approached with caution.
- Couloir
A steep gully in alpine terrain. In winter, a couloir is usually filled with snow bound by rocks on either side.
- Cross Loading
Wind blowing across a slope, depositing drifts on the sides of gullies or other terrain features.
- Crown Face
The top fracture surface of a slab avalanche. Usually smooth, clean cut, and angled 90 degrees to the bed surface.