Item: FIELD-BASED HAZARD RATING (FBHR): A DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR RECREATIONISTS IN DATA-LIMITED ENVIRONMENTS
-
-
Title: FIELD-BASED HAZARD RATING (FBHR): A DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR RECREATIONISTS IN DATA-LIMITED ENVIRONMENTS
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Nikki Champion [ Utah Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ] [ Mountain Training Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ]
- Kiira Antenucci [ Mountain Training Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ]
- Will McKay [ Mountain Training Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Backcountry recreationists often travel where formal avalanche forecasts, dense observation networks, and real-time snowpack data are unavailable. In these data-limited settings, fragmented observations and heuristic shortcuts can increase uncertainty around terrain selection and exposure. The Field-Based Hazard Rating (FBHR) is a conceptual decision-support framework for use outside forecast coverage or season. It synthesizes five domains—weather, snowpack structure, avalanche problems, uncertainty, and group dynamics—into a conservative day-level rating of LOW (Normal), MODERATE (Selective), or HIGH (Restrictive). LOW reflects generally stable conditions, limited avalanche potential, high confidence, and broad terrain options with normal caution. MODERATE reflects mixed or changing conditions, possible human triggering, information gaps, or group complexity and calls for selective terrain and deliberate exposure management. HIGH reflects unstable snowpack, active loading, widespread or consequential avalanche problems, substantial uncertainty, and/or elevated human-factor risk; avoiding avalanche terrain becomes the primary strategy. FBHR does not replace professional forecasts or regional danger ratings. It provides recreationists a structured way to translate incomplete observations into terrain choices, reduce cognitive load, improve group communication, and favor conservative decisions when confidence is low. This paper presents the framework, its assessment domains, applications, limitations, and opportunities for validation through field use, practitioner feedback, and comparison with existing hazard communication systems.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P4.41.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099358
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Nikki Champion
Keywords: backcountry decision-making, hazard rating, data-limited environments, heuristic traps, human factors, avalanche education
Page Number(s): 1769 - 1776
-