Item: The Avalanche Puzzle
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Title: The Avalanche Puzzle
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Mark Kelly [ Alaska Heliskiing, American Mountain Guide Association, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, Haines, AK, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: The Avalanche puzzle is an educational tool that is focused on engaging demographics of the public that would not normally seek out formal avalanche education. The goal of The Avalanche Puzzle is to create a fun and educational tool that helps to make avalanche awareness part of the everyday culture of those living in mountainous regions. Able to be used by families in a home setting, teachers in classrooms, or in public gathering places such as libraries, cafes or recreation centers. The Avalanche Puzzle utilizes an artist-created depiction of a mountain scene that includes numerous elements from the five observation categories of terrain, weather, avalanche activity, snow pack and human factors. Each piece of the puzzle has a few words of text on the opposite side with an observation in that category (e.g. a puzzle piece showing blue sky might have an observation relative to temperature or radiation, a puzzle piece from terrain may indicate slope angle or ground cover) The image created can be customized to apply to a variety of user groups ranging from children to backcountry skiers to snowmobilers. Not only can the image be modified to apply to different user groups, so can the complexity of the puzzle such as smaller puzzles with fewer pieces for children or larger puzzles with more pieces for adults. By making participants aware of various observations that deserve attention, it is hoped that when these individuals then enter the backcountry, they will be more cognizant of widespread observations that pertain to avalanche formation and release. By introducing these concepts, the hope is recognition of hazard and modified social behavior.
Object ID: ISSW16_P3.42.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Education, Tools, Puzzle
Page Number(s): 1110-1112
Subjects: youth avalanche education avalanche education
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