Item: AUSTRALIAN ALPS SURFACE HAZARD RATING SYSTEM
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Title: AUSTRALIAN ALPS SURFACE HAZARD RATING SYSTEM
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Craig Sheppard [ Mountain Safety Collective, Harrietville, VIC, Australia ]
- Kyle Boys [ Mountain Safety Collective, Harrietville, VIC, Australia ]
- Tyson Rettie [ Mountain Safety Collective, Harrietville, VIC, Australia ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Winter backcountry hazard communication has traditionally focused on avalanches, yet in many alpine environments, snow surface conditions can present an equally significant hazard. In the Australian Alps, hard snow and ice surfaces can result in slide for life conditions (Outdoors, 2025). Despite this, there has been no standardized approach to assessing or communicating surface hazards and associated risk of uncontrolled sliding falls to the public. The Australian Alps Surface Hazard Rating System (AASHRS) was developed through the operational work of the Mountain Safety Collective (MSC) to address this gap. The system assesses surface hardness and spatial distribution, combining these parameters in a decision-making matrix to assign Low, Moderate, or High surface hazard ratings. Each rating provides information on the likelihood of uncontrolled sliding falls, self-arrest potential, and appropriate terrain and travel advice. An anonymous online survey was distributed to backcountry users in Australia to assess awareness, understanding, perceived usefulness, and reported application of the system. A total of 142 responses were received. Awareness of AASHRS was high among respondents, and the majority of respondents reported that the system was useful and influenced their awareness of surface conditions as well as terrain selection. Interpretation of the Moderate and High ratings was strong, while the Low rating was substantially less well understood. Respondents who consulted the Backcountry Conditions Report more frequently were also more likely to report using the rating in terrain selection and finding it helpful. The findings provide an initial evaluation of AASHRS as an operational surface hazard communication tool and identify a specific opportunity to improve communication of the Low rating. Continued operational use and user feedback will support further refinement of the system.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P3.32.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099160
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Tyson Rettie
Keywords: Hazard Communication, Risk Communication, Crust, Ice, Slide for Life, Uncontrolled Sliding Falls
Page Number(s): 1391 - 1396
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