Item: THE AIARE BACKCOUNTRY DECISION-MAKING GUIDE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW IT IS USED
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Title: THE AIARE BACKCOUNTRY DECISION-MAKING GUIDE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW IT IS USED
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- R. Lee Frazer [ Dept. of Adventure Education, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, USA ]
- J. Aaron Ball [ Dept. of Adventure Education, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, USA ] [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, Telluride, CO, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: Many avalanche professionals find decision aids or support tools useful to avalanche risk assessment. By extension, avalanche educators often employ them to teach good judgment and decision-making, or at least assume this means-end outcome, explicitly and implicitly. In this paper, we report the results of a non-random survey of recreationalists and snow professionals familiar with a common, yet empirically unexamined (U.S.-based) decision support tool distributed by AIARE, the largest provider of avalanche education curriculum in the U.S. Using a variety of question types, we explored when, where, and how this tool is used. In total, 758 individuals started the survey; of these, 622 completed it, 33% of which identified as professionals (119) or trained volunteers (88) working in avalanche terrain. Results indicated that respondents, on the whole, were more likely to use the book in new or unfamiliar terrain, and when avalanche forecast centers report moderate, considerable and high danger levels (particularly among the recreationalists in our sample). Other results illuminate which specific field book resources (e.g., the North America Avalanche Danger Scale) respondents reported using most, along with when and where. Responses to questions aimed at uncovering how else study participants used the field book revealed slightly divergent results, when viewed in the aggregate. In particular, a slight majority of survey participants said they were more likely to use planning-oriented resources than resources designed for in-field and post-trip use.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P1.39.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: decision-making, avalanche education, risk management, decision support tool, risk assessment, avalanche safety
Page Number(s): 359 - 365
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