Item: THE GERMAN ALPINE CLUB (DAV) SKI TOURING STUDY: HOW WELL DO SKI TOURING GROUPS KNOW THE AVALANCHE BULLETIN?
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Title: THE GERMAN ALPINE CLUB (DAV) SKI TOURING STUDY: HOW WELL DO SKI TOURING GROUPS KNOW THE AVALANCHE BULLETIN?
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Bernhard Streicher [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ] [ Johannes-Kepler-University ]
- Christoph Hummel [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ] [ Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service ]
- Michaela Brugger [ michaela-brugger.com ]
- Lukas Fritz [ German Alpine Club (DAV) ]
- Martin Schwiersch [ Safety Research Commission of the German Alpine Club ]
- Florian Hellberg [ Edelrid GmbH ]
- Thomas Feistl [ Bavarian Avalanche Warning Service ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: The study investigated the comprehension and utilization of avalanche bulletins by ski touring groups in the Austrian Alps during the winters of 2019/20 and 2021/22. The avalanche bulletin, a critical tool for winter sports enthusiasts, provides essential information for assessing avalanche risk and planning safe tours. Despite its importance, the effectiveness of these bulletins hinges on users' ability to accurately interpret the information provided. This research surveyed 112 ski touring groups (345 individuals) across two popular ski touring locations, examining their understanding of avalanche danger levels, specific avalanche problems, and the identification of hazardous spots as detailed in the bulletin. The study employed a comprehensive methodology, including pre- and post-tour surveys, terrain and risk analysis, and expert assessments to evaluate the participants' knowledge and decision-making processes. Results indicate a high level of awareness regarding general avalanche danger levels, with 91% of groups correctly identifying the current danger level. However, the accuracy diminished when it came to more complex information, such as specific avalanche problems and hazardous terrain features, with only 63.9% and 39.5% of groups, respectively, demonstrating full understanding. Further analyses explored the correlation between bulletin knowledge and various group characteristics, such as size, experience, and equipment. Notably, larger groups and those with more frequent ski touring experience tended to have a better understanding of the avalanche bulletin. Additionally, the study found no significant relationship between bulletin knowledge and actual risk behavior in the field, suggesting that even wellinformed groups might not always act in accordance with their knowledge. The findings highlight a critical gap in the practical application of avalanche bulletin information, particularly at higher danger levels, where accurate knowledge of hazardous spots is crucial. The study suggests that ski touring groups may choose safer routes at higher danger levels, potentially explaining the observed decline in detailed bulletin knowledge. This research underscores the need for enhanced education and training to ensure that winter sports enthusiasts not only understand but also effectively apply the information provided in avalanche bulletins to mitigate risks in the field.
Object ID: ISSW2024_P12.7.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche bulletin knowledge, avalanche bulletin understanding, decision making, risk taking
Page Number(s): 1676 - 1683
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