Item: UNDERSTANDING BACKCOUNTRY BEHAVIORS AFTER PARTICIPATION IN A RECREATIONAL AVALANCHE COURSE
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Title: UNDERSTANDING BACKCOUNTRY BEHAVIORS AFTER PARTICIPATION IN A RECREATIONAL AVALANCHE COURSE
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Kelly R. McNeil [ Eastern Oregon University, La Grande OR, USA ]
- Jacqueline A. Morgan [ Eastern Oregon University, La Grande OR, USA ]
- Liz Y. Riggs Meder [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, Telluride CO, USA ]
- Emma R. Walker [ American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, Telluride CO, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: A growing number of people are venturing into the backcountry each year. Many of these individuals are participating in avalanche training. However, little is known about the impact of avalanche education on participants' post-course behaviors. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of participants' perceptions of behaviors before and after taking a recreational avalanche course. During the 2021-22 season, a 29-question retrospective pretest-posttest survey was used to gather individuals' perceptions of their behaviors during three time periods. The survey was distributed via email to all students who had taken the course during different time intervals; 6 weeks (winter 2022-2023), 1 year (winter 2021-2022), and 2 years (winter 2020-2021). The majority of students have spent 2 to 5 winters in the backcountry (44.89%). The sample is composed of mostly males (64.21%) and used skis as their mode of travel (62.21%). Most participants (40-60%) practiced avalanche rescue 1–2 times after the course. Participants in each of the time frames reported a statistically significant increase in perception of frequency in all categories of behaviors; trip planning, before leaving a trailhead, and during backcountry travel (p < 0.001). Results from the study help to understand participant behaviors 6 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years after completion of a course. This understanding can enable educators, forecasters, practitioners, and researchers to gain insight into the backcountry behaviors of avalanche course participants and allow future development and improve risk management curricula and interventions in response.
Object ID: ISSW2023_O12.01.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Kelly McNeil
Keywords: avalanche education, behaviors, backcountry travel
Page Number(s): 1112 - 1119
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