Avalanche Signage: Avalanche Warning Signs Along Roadways

Details

• Creators:
  Sharp, Eirik ; Thumlert, Scott ; Campbell, Cam ; Gould, Brian
• Corporate Creators:
  Alpine Solutions Avalanche Services
• Contributors:
  Glassett, Tim ; Thompson, Kevin
• Corporate Contributors:
  Transportation Avalanche Research Pool ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration ; Alaska. Department of Transportation and Public Facilities ; New Zealand Transport Agency ; Colorado Department of Transportation. Office of Applied Research
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Avalanches Best Practices Guidelines Hazard Mitigation Risk Roads Signage Signs Vulnerable Road Users
• Publication/ Report Number:
  CDOT-2025-01
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  Colorado Department of Transportation. Applied Research & Innovations Branch
• Abstract:
  Avalanche signage is a critical component of risk management for transportation infrastructure in avalanche-prone regions. Effective signage not only reduces the exposure and vulnerability of road users but also demonstrates a proactive duty of care by transportation authorities. A comparative analysis of the current approaches to avalanche signage employed by participating Transportation Avalanche Research Pool agencies reveals a wide range of approaches influenced by local geographic, economic, and traffic conditions. Current guidelines, such as the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, do not specifically address snow avalanches and their unique needs, leading to variability across jurisdictions. Specific gaps identified in avalanche signage systems currently used include: • A lack of consistent approach, a lack of design and placement standardization, inconsistent enforcement of regulatory signs, a lack of clear messaging, a lack of detailed records. An action plan for addressing these gaps is provided as recommendations for best practice, including:• Threshold values for avalanche signage, signage placement criteria and considerations, seasonal avalanche signage, sign design criteria and considerations, variable-message signs, maintenance, training and awareness, record keeping, and development of a signage manual. This report highlights the importance of a consistent approach to signage design and placement through a detailed review of insights from behavioral and ergonomic research. While standardization is desirable, avalanche signage should be guided by accurate risk assessments.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  TPF-5(497)-24-03
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:c6d5eaa8f0b59193ef79311f7a6de7386cb188f325e691c3d29bf93339615104be0bd97625b29a0ab6b53691f92a778508c3e530e793f96dfa7ba1896d6e7200
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/92745/dot_92745_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 6.72 MB ]