Item: WHY OBSERVERS' MAY NOT AGREE ON THE DESTRUCTIVE POTENTIAL SIZE RATING AND A DRAFT SCALE FOR MORE CONSISTENT RATINGS
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Title: WHY OBSERVERS' MAY NOT AGREE ON THE DESTRUCTIVE POTENTIAL SIZE RATING AND A DRAFT SCALE FOR MORE CONSISTENT RATINGS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Tyler Carson [ Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, BC, Canada ]
- Lisa Larson [ Avalanche Canada, Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
- Brendan Martland [ Brucejack Mountain Safety, Kitimat-Stikine, BC, Canada ]
- Bruce Jamieson [ brucejamieson.ca, Calgary, AB, Canada ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: When looking at the same avalanche, observers sometimes rate the size differently on the Destructive scale. Different ratings for similar avalanches are more common for observers from different operations. We identify common reasons for the different ratings and propose guidelines for interpreting the D-scale. If the guidelines are adopted by operations and - ideally - by national and international avalanche associations (with changes following feedback from draft scale users), more consistent ratings and improved communication of destructive potential can be achieved.
Object ID: ISSW2023_O1.05.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Tyler Carson, Bruce Jamieson, Lisa Larson
Keywords: avalanche size, destructive potential, damage potential, avalanche classification
Page Number(s): 32 - 37
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