The amount of time and position in which humans interact with avalanche terrain

Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center

Exposure is how you interact with the terrain in terms of your specific position and length of time exposed to the hazard. Even during periods of high avalanche hazard, a simple reduction in exposure to avalanche terrain will reduce the risk. Eliminating your exposure by being careful not to go into or underneath any avalanche terrain will bring your risk to zero. You can manage your exposure by carefully choosing where and when you travel in avalanche terrain, and how your group travels through it.  The following concepts relate to identifying and managing exposure in avalanche terrain.  

Hazard is independent of human interactions. It’s only through exposure to avalanche terrain that we take on risk.  Credit: Zach Guy