The middle portion of an avalanche path, below the start zone.
Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center
The track is the middle portion of the avalanche path covered by an avalanche in motion. It connects the start zone to the runout zone. An avalanche typically releases in the start zone above, but will continue to flow and entrain more snow in the track, often gaining momentum.
Looking up the track of an avalanche path. Credit: Colorado Avalanche Information Center
The avalanche track is where moving debris flows between the start zone above and the runout below. Credit: Parks Canada
Avalanche tracks often have terrain features that are steep enough to release an avalanche, well below the classic start zones higher on the path. This photo demonstrates several avalanches that released in the avalanche track. Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center