Before going on tour, find out the details regarding alpine hazards. The avalanche danger: Which level? What? Where? Pay particular attention to information about the danger level (1-5), about avalanche prone locations (Where is it dangerous today?) and the danger patterns (What is the main danger today?). New snow, wind-drifted snow, old snow (persistent weak layers), wet snow and gliding snow are the 5 typical avalanche problems. Extensive ice sheilds, rime and crusts also present considerable hazards. The Advisory will outline the predominant source of danger. Typical avalanche danger zones are gullies and bowls filled with wind drifted snow, lee slopes adjacent to the ridge line, shady slopes, sunny slopes, transitions from shallow to deep snow. Ice can prevail anywhere and in some cases everywhere.