Module 10 | Scenario 1: Heuristic Traps in Backcountry Avalanche Terrain

  • Due Mar 23 at 11:59pm
  • Points 10
  • Questions 10
  • Available after Mar 3 at 12am
  • Time Limit None
  • Allowed Attempts 2

Instructions

Overview

Although travel in avalanche terrain requires knowledge of snow, weather, and terrain, it is also critical to recognize situations in which heuristic traps can bias your ability to perceive risk. At the conclusion of this learning activity, you should be able to better identify these traps if you are traveling in avalanche terrain.

Instructions

Utilize the information located in the Scenario and Key Concepts to answer the questions located in this activity. You may refer to your textbook and notes to help you work through the assigned questions if desired. You will have two attempts to complete this activity. The highest grade will automatically be recorded. Once you have submitted your activity for a second time, you will be able to see the correct answers. Discuss with your instructor if you have questions about your answers or feedback.

  • Activity is due Sunday, by 11:59 p.m. MT

Submission and Assessment Guidelines

  • You will complete the quiz associated with this scenario within Canvas. For help on how to take a quiz in Canvas, review How do I take a quiz.
  • This learning activity is worth 10 points toward your final grade.

Scenario

You live in Salt Lake City and typically ski tour in the Wasatch backcountry with two friends. Here we examine several realistic scenarios that you may encounter that contain heuristic traps that could bias your ability to perceive risk.  

Key Concepts

Heuristic traps are mental shortcuts that are not logical or evidence-based and can lead to inaccurate hazard assessment. Ian McCammon, a mechanical engineer and avid backcountry skier, identified six major heuristic traps that contribute to recreational avalanche accidents (see this Avalanche News article. if you'd like to learn more): Familiarity, Acceptance, Consistency/commitment, Expert halo, Tracks/scarcity, and Social facilitation, or FACETS for short. A summary of FACETS is provided from 14erskiers.com.

Facets: Heuristic Traps in Recreational Avalanches (F) Familiarity (A) Acceptance (C) Consistency/Commitment (E) Expert Halo (T) Tracks/Scarcity (S) Social Facilitation

Citations

Key Concepts:

Images:

Key Concepts

Quiz:

  • Question 9
    • Citation: Dockery, J. (n.d.). Skiing Mt. Adams SW chutes. Jim Dockery Photography. 
 
Only registered, enrolled users can take graded quizzes