Item: Skiers Perception and Knowledge About Avalanche Terrain Practical Implications for Avalanche Education
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Title: Skiers Perception and Knowledge About Avalanche Terrain Practical Implications for Avalanche Education
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Marit S. Andresen [ Sogn og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway ]
- Linda Hallandvik [ Sogn og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: In Norway, the number of people off-piste skiing in the backcountry is continuously increasing. This is also the case in Sogndal, a small village in Western Norway. On Saturday 31/01/2015, several avalanches occurred in a well-known and popular area. The regional avalanche danger on this day was level 3 and the avalanche problem was a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar above 1000 m elevation. The aim of this study is to identify how these avalanches affected skiers' perception of touring in avalanche terrain. This study is based on quantitative data, carried out using the software program Murvey. 206 novice to expert skiers participated (42% women and 58 % men, from 15 years old and above). The data was collected four days after the avalanches occurred. The results showed that 67% of the skiers rated the terrain where the avalanches occurred as simple or challenging, according to the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES). When analyzing this terrain using the ATES, it is clear that this terrain is classified as complex. Further, 53% knew about the avalanche problem this day, whereas 37% did not know. Despite this, 75% currently use the avalanche forecast when generally planning a trip and 63% were more or less surprised about the occurring avalanches. Findings in this study indicate that we should pay greater attention to the terrain and the avalanche problem(s) when planning a trip.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: avalanche terrain, snowpack, familiar terrain, avalanche education
Page Number(s): 1142-1147
Subjects: snowpack avalanche education avalanche terrain
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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