Item: MEASURING CUMULATIVE AND LOW-LEVEL BLAST OVERPRESSURE EXPOSURE OF AVALANCHE WORKERS
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Title: MEASURING CUMULATIVE AND LOW-LEVEL BLAST OVERPRESSURE EXPOSURE OF AVALANCHE WORKERS
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Allie Fredbo [ University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ]
- Amanda Geisler [ Park City Mountain Resort, Park City, UT, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Avalanche workers operate in complex environments with numerous hazards. One risk is exposure to blast overpressure (BOP) from explosive events. Explosives are inherently dangerous and no exposure is without risk. Research in military and law enforcement sectors has suggested that even relatively low levels of BOP, with peak overpressure of 0.25 psi (1.72 kPa) may be associated with physiologic and neurologic changes. Cumulative BOP exposure has been associated with increasing symptom severity. Reported symptoms include difficulty with memory and concentration, mood changes such as irritability and frustration, sleep disturbances, hearing difficulties, impaired reaction time and balance. Blast exposure among avalanche workers remains understudied. The work presented here expands upon published data by Thompson et al. (2023) in which avalanche workers wore pressure sensors to measure BOP during routine mitigation work. To improve the accuracy of measured exposures, the number of sensors worn by participants was increased from one to three. With this change, a blast event was ~1.6 times more likely to result in a recorded exposure. Data presented here was collected between 2024-2026 at four operations with 49 unique participants. In total 458 explosives were deployed, resulting in 48 recorded events (10.48%), with average peak overpressure exposure was 1.15 psi (7.9 kPa), maximum of 2.28 psi (15.72 kPa), and average positive impulse of 3.31psi·ms (22.82 kPa·ms). Sensor data also demonstrated that some participants experienced multiple exposures within minutes to hours. These values may be overstated due to the presence of atypical waveforms with uncertain significance. Despite this limitation, the measured exposures provide a framework for discussion and comparison with adjacent industries. Given the widespread use of explosives for avalanche mitigation, blast exposure remains an important topic in occupational hazard discussions. Awareness of blast exposures alone allows for adjustment of individual risk and recognition of symptoms. This work also provides support for avalanche programs to employ risk-reduction strategies applicable for their operation. Continued focus on the risk associated with cumulative blast exposure will guide safer explosives use practices and support longevity of career practitioners.
Object ID: ISSW2026_FS1.7.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098404
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Alyssa Fredbo
Keywords: Worker Safety, Explosives, Blast Overpressure, Cumulative Low-Level Blast
Page Number(s): 1829 - 1836
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