Item: UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING A PROFESSIONAL AVALANCHE TRAINING PROGRAM: INITIAL FINDINGS FROM THE AIARE PRO 1
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Title: UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING A PROFESSIONAL AVALANCHE TRAINING PROGRAM: INITIAL FINDINGS FROM THE AIARE PRO 1
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Anne St. Clair [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), Crested Butte, CO, USA ] [ School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada ]
- Emma Walker [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), Crested Butte, CO, USA ]
- Sean Zimmerman-Wall [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), Crested Butte, CO, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Professional avalanche training plays a central role in preparing workers for avalanche operations, yet little research has examined its effectiveness or the factors shaping its outcomes. As part of a phased evaluation of their Pro 1 program, the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) analyzed records for 315 participants across 24 courses delivered during three operating seasons. To characterize performance across multiple assessments, we classified participants into four classes spanning the assessed proficiency range, from highest to lowest. We then used logistic regression and chi-square tests to examine factors associated with membership in the highest and lowest classes, including participant attributes, course structure and delivery, instructors, and terrain and hazard variables. Age, gender, race, prior training, and industry background were not associated with membership in the highest or lowest proficiency classes. However, associations emerged for participants' formal education and primary mode of travel, individual courses and instructors, and course size and course types, such as motorized and gender-affinity courses. Terrain and hazard variables were also associated with proficiency class membership. Overall, membership in the highest proficiency class was more common with more complex terrain and higher hazard, whereas membership in the lowest proficiency class was more common under lower hazard and in the absence of slab avalanche problems. Proficiency class membership also varied by venue and mountain region. These patterns raise the possibility that courses with simpler terrain, lower hazard, or no slab avalanche problems may constrain meaningful opportunities for participants to demonstrate proficiency and for instructors to assess it. Further work should test this explanation and determine how programs can support reliable assessment when key conditions do not occur. These questions, together with the other patterns identified, provide direction for further analysis, targeted data collection, and the development of a systematic evaluation program.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P1.27.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098755
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Anne St Clair
Keywords: Avalanche education, professional training, program evaluation
Page Number(s): 889 - 890
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