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Avalanche Problems
There are nine different types of avalanche problems:


 * Storm slab
 * Wind slab
 * Wet slab avalanches
 * Persistent slab
 * Deep persistent slab
 * Loose dry avalanches
 * Loose wet avalanches
 * Glide avalanches
 * Cornice fall

Avalanche size classification scales in North America
Canada U.S.

Canadian classification for avalanche size
The Canadian classification for avalanche size is based upon the consequences of the avalanche. Half sizes are commonly used.

United States classification for avalanche size
The size of avalanches are classified using two scales; size relative to destructive force or D-scale and size relative to the avalanche path or R-scale. Both size scales range from 1 to 5 with the D size scale half sizes can be used.

Avalanches and Climate Change
Climate change-caused temperature increases and changes in precipitation patterns will likely differ between the different mountain regions. But overall a rising seasonal snow line and a decrease in the number of days with snow cover are predicted. The impacts of these changes on avalanches are different at different elevations. At lower elevations a long-term reduction in the number of avalanches corresponding to a decrease in snow, and a short-term increase in the number of wet avalanches are predicted. Higher elevations predicted to remain about the seasonal snow line, will likely see an increase in avalanche activity in regions seeing increases in precipitation during the winter season. Predictions also show an increase in the number of rain on snow events, and wet avalanche cycles occurring earlier in the spring during the remainder of this century.