STRATA is Granite's Scalable Terrain Analysis Engine. Our AI-enabled model computes open source & proprietary data to generate powerful terrain layers that help you understand landscapes in more detail.
STRATA Terrain Layers include:
Avalanche Closures
Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
Avalanche Zones
Elevation
Flat Zones
Slope Angle
Slope Aspect
Avalanche Closures
⚠️ ATTENTION: Avalanche Closure Zones may change without notice and not all zones are reflected dynamically within Granite. While Granite attempts to ensure data is up-to-date and accurate, we are not responsible for any potentially incorrect data and recommend users verify closure zones directly with the closing authority.
Please note some areas require a permit system.
Our Avalanche Closures layer shows areas that are temporarily closed due to avalanche hazard or mitigation work. Whilst most areas are closed dynamically, closure notification systems may vary across different zones. The below chart indicates the various closure areas and the responsible closing authority, as well as whether live dynamic status is available within Granite.
Zone Name: | Closing Authority: | Live Status: |
Rogers Pass | ❌ - NO | |
Whistler Blackcomb | ✅ - YES |
Winter Permit System - Rogers Pass:
Warning: Large ares of Glacier National Park are CLOSED for avalanche control using EXPLOSIVES. You MUST familiarize yourself with the Winter Permit System before venturing into ANY backcountry terrain within Glacier National Park.
Starting in 2025, ALL areas in Glacier National Park require a Winter Permit from Parks Canada. This can be obtained online in-advance, or in-person at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. For more information, please click here.
Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)
Our ATES layer categorizes terrain into three classes which help you understand the potential avalanche exposure within the area shaded:
Simple Terrain (Green): Either low-angled or forested terrain with no or very little exposure to avalanches. There are many options to reduce or limit exposure.
Challenging Terrain (Blue): involves exposure to well defined avalanche paths, start zones, or terrain traps. There are options to reduce or eliminate exposure with careful route finding.
Complex Terrain (Black): involves exposure to multiple, overlapping avalanche paths or large expanses of steep, open terrain with minimal options to reduce exposure.
ATES data is provided by Avalanche Canada.
Avalanche Zones
Warning: This layer is intended to support avalanche awareness and assist in terrain assessment. This layer should not be used as a sole tool in determining risk as accuracy may defer across zones and not all avalanche zones may be highlighted.
Our Avalanche Zones layer highlights terrain that may present increased avalanche hazard based on slope and terrain characteristics. This layer uses our STRATA model to highlight slopes steeper than 25 degrees, where avalanches are most likely to occur.
Light yellow shading indicates a lower slope gradient, while dark red indicates a steeper, more serious gradient.
The Avalanche Zone Layer is computed using our STRATA model.
Elevation
Our Elevation Layer highlights terrain by altitude. This can be helpful when planning routes that target specific elevation ranges or the snow line.
Elevation Band: | Colour: |
0-1,000m | Light Green |
1,000-2,000m | Green |
2,000-3,000m | Blue |
3,000-4,000m | Light Purple |
4,000m-5,000m | Dark Purple |
5,000m+ | Black |
Elevation Layer is computed using our STRATA model.
Flat Zones
The Flat Zones Layer identifies terrain with minimal slope.
These zones are often useful for:
Campsites
Transition zones
Rest areas
The Flat Zones Layer is computed using our STRATA model.
Slope Angle
Our Slope Angle Layer highlights terrain based on steepness. In the winter, this is particularly important for avalanche safety, as many avalanches occur on slopes between 30° and 45°. In the summer, this can help you read terrain and identify ridges.
Angle (Degrees): | Colour: |
15 | Green |
25 | Yellow |
35 | Red |
45 | Dark Red |
55 | Purple |
65 | Dark Purple |
Slope Aspect
Our Slope Aspect layer shows the direction a slope faces. Aspect can be helpful as it influences:
Snow conditions
Avalanche hazard
Sun exposure