Item: Risk Appraisal and Decision Making in Front of Avalanche Risk: A Pilot Study With Backcountry Skiers
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Title: Risk Appraisal and Decision Making in Front of Avalanche Risk: A Pilot Study With Backcountry Skiers
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Andres Chamarro [ Autonomous University of Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain ]
- Gloria Marti [ Snow and Avalanche Awareness Association in Catalonia (ACNA). Lleida. Spain ] [ Geological Institute of Catalonia (IGC). Barcelona. Spain ]
- Tatiana Rovira [ Autonomous University of Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain ]
- Francesc Carola [ Snow and Avalanche Awareness Association in Catalonia (ACNA). Lleida. Spain ]
- Jordi Fernández-Castro [ Autonomous University of Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: Studies and knowledge of human factor in avalanche fatalities are scarce or even null in the study area. Consequently, research into how people evaluate and react in front of avalanche risk is still necessary. The present study examined how the information provided by avalanche bulletin, terrain exposure and carrying safety gear is combined by backcountry skiers to elaborate risk perception and ulterior decision making. Seventy four backcountry skiers completed the designed survey to monitor this study during weekend routes or avalanche training courses. Surveys included simulated scenarios that represented the kinds of information that participant may be confronted when backcountry skiing. Results show how risk judgments and decision to not continue are affected by information relative to terrain exposure, avalanche danger rating and carrying safety gear. For risk judgment, by one side backcountry skiers combine information relative to terrain exposure and avalanche danger rating, and avalanche danger rating and carrying safety gear, by the other side. When deciding to continue, the pattern is quite similar, but an interaction between the three variables appears, indicating that skiers decide to not continue especially when terrain is challenging, rating 3 avalanche danger and they carry safety gear. Is concluded that skiers can use deliberative processes appraise risk and take decisions. Also, the study validates the information about terrain exposure, avalanche bulletin, and carrying safety gear, usually provided in avalanche education programs.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P5-30.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche education, risk appraisal, decision-making
Page Number(s): 567-572
Subjects: avalanche education avalanche risk management backcountry skiing
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