Item: ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AND CONFIDENCE ASSESSING AVALANCHE TERRAIN AND CONDITIONS – A LARGE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Title: ACCEPTANCE OF RISK AND CONFIDENCE ASSESSING AVALANCHE TERRAIN AND CONDITIONS – A LARGE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- David C. Fiore [ University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA ]
- Cameron C. Shonnard [ University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA ]
- Rondo J. Bauer [ University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA ]
- Lingchen Wang [ University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the ski industry worldwide by closing or limiting access to ski resorts. We previously reported the results of our study looking at the impact of Covid-19 on backcountry skiing and riding. This study attempts to identify and quantify the willingness to accept risk, and to gauge self-perceived ability to assess hazards in the backcountry setting. Finally, we analyzed the data for correlations between these variables. Self-identified backcountry skiers and snowboarders (aged ≥18 y) in the United States and Canada completed an anonymous 29-question online survey distributed primarily by regional avalanche centers, education providers, and skiing organizations (n=4792). Multivariable linear regression models were used to test the associations between predictors and outcome variables. Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficients were used to measure the strength of the associations. Percentage bar chart was used to present the association between willingness to take risks and self-reported ability to assess avalanche risk in avalanche terrain. Confidence in assessing avalanche terrain was positively correlated with the willingness to take risks and the level of avalanche training. There was also a correlation with factors such as years and days per season backcountry skiing. Female respondents were found to have less willingness to take risks and lower self-reported ability to assess avalanche risk in avalanche terrain, compared to male respondents. Building on the work of Hendrikx, Johnson, Mannberg, McCammon and others, we hope this information may be used to address issues of risk assessment and over-confidence in avalanche classes.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P3.06.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): David Fiore
Keywords: backcountry skiing, avalanche, risk
Page Number(s): 1303 - 1309
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