Item: The Distribution of Fatalities by Avalanche Problem in Colorado, 1998-99 to 2012-13
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Title: The Distribution of Fatalities by Avalanche Problem in Colorado, 1998-99 to 2012-13
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Spencer Logan [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Boulder, CO, USA ]
- Ethan Greene [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Boulder, CO, USA ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Avalanche practitioners in North America have developed nine "avalanche problems" based on risk treatment strategies, weak layer, and slab characteristics of avalanches. Avalanche problems are an increasingly popular tool for risk communication in education and forecasting. There is little research about the danger that individual problems pose. In this study, we assigned an avalanche problem to the last 15 seasons of fatal avalanche accidents in Colorado (N=80 accidents, 89 fatalities). Three problems accounted for most fatalities. Persistent Slab avalanches accounted for 66% of the avalanche fatalities. Deep Persistent Slab avalanches (DPS) accounted for 21% of avalanche fatalities. In two seasons with notable DPS problems, they accounted for about 60% of the seasonal fatalities. Wet Slab avalanches accounted for 3% of avalanche fatalities. All three problems are challenging avalanche problems for recreationalists, especially novices, to assess and treat. Because DPS and PS avalanches account for about 87% of avalanche fatalities in Colorado, improved teaching and forecasting that specifically addresses how to best mitigate these avalanche problems could yield the highest reduction in fatalities.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P4.10.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche problems, accidents, fatalities
Page Number(s): 374-380
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