International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Evaluating the Avaluator Avalanche Accident Prevention Card 2.0

• • Title: Evaluating the Avaluator Avalanche Accident Prevention Card 2.0

    Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska

    Authors:

    • Bob Uttl  [ Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada ]
    • Joanna McDouall  [ Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada ]
    • Christina Mitchell  [ Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada ]

    Date: 2012

    Abstract: The Avaluator Avalanche Accident Prevention Card (Haegeli & McCammon, 2006), consisting of the Trip Planner and Obvious Clues, was marketed by the Canadian Avalanche Association/Center (CAA/C) as a decision support tool for prevention of avalanche accidents. For Obvious Clues, users simply added up the number of obvious clues (e.g., loading, terrain trap) and the Avaluator provided them with the percentage of accidents prevented and travel recommendations. However, the Avaluator's prevention values differed widely from the values reported by Haegeli and McCammon previously (Uttl et al., 2007, 2008) and were not replicated by several independent studies (Uttl et al., 2008, 2009; Floyer, 2008). Moreover, Haegeli and McCammon refused all requests to produce the data behind their claims and for clarification of their methodology (Uttl et al., 2008, 2009). The CAA/C advised Avalanche Safety Training instructors not to use the Obvious Clues prevention values (Calgary Herald, April 20, 2009); included new disclaimers absolving the authors and CAA/C of any responsibility for any deaths, injuries and other damages caused by the Avaluator; and eventually, published the Avaluator 2.0 (Haegeli, 2010) with the Obvious Clues replaced by “Slope Evaluation” and McCammon no longer appearing as one of the authors. We examined whether the new Slope Evaluation is likely to prevent more or fewer accidents than the original Avaluator. Our analysis of over 1,000 North American accidents suggest that the Avaluator 2.0 suffers from many of the same problems that plagued the original Avaluator. We discuss implications of our findings for avalanche safety training programs.

    Object ID: issw-2012-840-847.pdf

    Language of Article:

    Presenter(s): unknown

    Keywords: avaluator avalanche accident prevention card, accident prevention, risk reduction tools, risk, decision making

    Page Number(s): 840-847

    Subjects: avaluator avalanche accident prevention card avalanche risk management potential avalanche terrain

  • Get Full Article

Back to Home page