Werner Munter, the so-called avalanche pope and godfather of our PowderGuide book, is considered the founder of the "New Avalanche Science". In addition to his almost universally known 3x3 filter and reduction method, Werner Munter has also developed other avalanche risk check and limit systems. We would like to introduce you to a particularly interesting approach: the beer mat check. After Werner Munter made the claim that modern avalanche science should be so simple that it could fit on a beer mat, he developed a short and concise avalanche check system. And this has been known as the beer mat ever since.
The avalanche beer mat
The quick check works as a bonus system. Depending on the choice of terrain (slope inclination, exposure, existing tracks) and your own behavior (distances), you receive bonus stars. The higher the avalanche danger level, the more bonus stars you need to achieve to be able to make your descent. For example, at level 2 (moderate avalanche danger) you need two bonus stars. Sounds logical and simple - but the whole thing is pretty smart and fits on the aforementioned beer mat.
The only disadvantage of all reduction methods is that they are designed for the backcountry and not for off-piste or freeride terrain, where experience has shown that steeper slopes can also be skied. In touring terrain, where the snowpack is usually much more unstable - or when you are faced with a critical slope - and have to make a to-go-or-not-to-go decision, the methods help you to assess the avalanche risk within a very short space of time. And then hopefully make the right decision. "Keep It Simple but Smart." Well then - cheers coasters! Explanation: RM means reduction method. This means that if there is a high avalanche risk, the risk is so high that a sensible risk check can no longer be carried out and you therefore have to stay in flat terrain (slope gradient of less than 30 degrees).
