Item: Out-of-bounds avalanche awareness: assessment, current practices, and future management
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Title: Out-of-bounds avalanche awareness: assessment, current practices, and future management
Proceedings: Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21-27, 2008
Authors: Dr. Ian McCammon, Dr. Pascal Haegeli, Mr. Matt Gunn.
Date: 9/26/2008
Abstract: Increasing numbers of recreationists are accessing the backcountry beyond the boundaries of winter resorts. For recreationists, the sudden transition to backcountry avalanche conditions poses a risk management challenge. For resorts, the content and presentation of out-ofbounds (OB) hazard information presents a risk communication challenge. The goals of this project were to gain a better understanding of avalanche awareness among OB users and to identify effective strategies for informing their decisions in OB avalanche terrain. Because the OB phenomenon is multi-faceted and complex, we used a mixed-methods, multilevel ecological approach involving focus groups, intercept surveys, expert interviews, site visits, and a retrospective accident analysis. Qualitative analysis supported a precautionary stage model consisting of five general categories of OB user. Since each of these categories is characterized by a unique orientation towards risk, it appears likely that each category is best targeted by specific interventions. We conclude by presenting a preliminary framework for resort operators that facilitates diagnosis and treatment of common OB risk communication problems.
Presenters: Dr. Ian McCammon.
Keywords: decision making, resort operations, education, risk management
Subjects: decision making and human factors
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