Item: UNDERSTANDING GROUP DYNAMICS AND USE OF AVALANCHE FORECAST BEHAVIORS AFTER COMPLETING A RECREATIONAL AVALANCHE COURSE
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Title: UNDERSTANDING GROUP DYNAMICS AND USE OF AVALANCHE FORECAST BEHAVIORS AFTER COMPLETING A RECREATIONAL AVALANCHE COURSE
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Kelly R. McNeil [ Eastern Oregon University, La Grande OR, USA ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: A growing number of people are venturing into the backcountry each year. Many of these individuals are participating in formal avalanche training. However, little is known about the impact of avalanche education on participants’ post-course behaviors. The study aimed to understand participants' use of the avalanche forecast behaviors and reported group dynamics after completion of a recreational-level 1 avalanche course. During the 2021–22 season, a 29-question retrospective pretest-posttest survey was used to gather individuals' perceptions of their behaviors during three time periods. The survey was distributed via email to all students who had taken the course during different time intervals; 6 weeks (winter 2022–23), 1 year (winter 2021–22), and 2 years (winter 2020–21). The survey consisted of 6 sections: 1) demographics, 2) group dynamics, 3) backcountry behaviors before and after the course (before leaving the trailhead when planning your backcountry trip, when out traveling in the backcountry), 4) use of the avalanche forecast after the course, 5) incidents and near misses, and 6) beliefs about the course. Sections 1 and 3 were presented in a previous paper (McNeil et al, 2023). This paper will focus on participants' use of the avalanche forecast after the course and group dynamics. The majority of participants stated they check the forecast ahead of every trip or ahead of every trip and sometimes in between trips. The most frequent sections of an avalanche forecast checked by participants were danger rating, bottom line, and avalanche problem. The least checked were public observations and social media posts. The majority of participants stated the forecast strongly influenced their terrain options. Most respondents travel in groups of 3 to 4 people and most participants never travel alone. Participants reported they are often part of a small group that makes decisions collectively. Results from this study help us understand group dynamics, and use of the avalanche forecast of participants after taking an avalanche education course. This understanding can enable educators, forecasters, practitioners, and researchers to gain insight into the backcountry behaviors of avalanche course participants.
Object ID: ISSW2024_O13.3.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Kelly McNeil
Keywords: Avalanche education, behaviors, group dynamics, avalanche forecast
Page Number(s): 1705 - 1711
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