Overview

Experienced backcountry recreationalists learn to read the snow, terrain, and weather like a book. This informs decision making in avalanche terrain, reducing exposure to hazards and the consequences if caught in an avalanche. At the conclusion of this learning activity, you should be able to better recognize some of the hazards that exist when 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 are a new backcountry skier. You have learned a bit about avalanche hazards and terrain, but in the backcountry, you may encounter a wide array of decision-making scenarios. Are you ready?

Key Concepts

You’re on your own now. There’s no instructor or guide to help you as you leave the highway and enter the backcountry. You’ve consulted the avalanche report, but as you travel through the backcountry, you need to be your own detective. You must constantly recall the avalanche triangle, and consider the terrain, snowpack, weather, and human factors, remember and look for the red flags for avalanches, and evaluate the terrain for avalanche risk. You must constantly look for clues and work to minimize hazards.

Citations

Quiz:

Question 2
- Citation: Steenburgh, J. (n.d.). Avalanche near Obergurgl, Austria
Question 3
- Citation: Stork, G. (n.d.). Photo from the Selkirk Mountains, British Columbia, Canada
Question 4
- Citation: Steenburgh, J. (n.d.). Backcountry skiing in the Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Question 5
- Citation: Steenburgh, J. (n.d.). Photo from the Wasatch Mountains, Utah
Question 6
- Citation: Trentmeisenheimer12. (2014, March 8). Gold hill - Avalanche accident [Video].
  YouTube.
Question 7
- Citation: Sawtooth Avalanche Center. (2020, January 17). Baker creek accident site investigation - Galena summit & eastern mtns zone - January 16th, 2020 [Video]. YouTube.
Question 8
- Citation: davidof (2019, December 18). Avalanche, Rendl, 17th March 2017. PisteHors.com
Question 9
- Citation: davidof (2019, December 18). Avalanche, Rendl, 17th March 2017. PisteHors.com
Question 10
- Citation: Feistl, T., Bebi, P., & Bartelt, P. (2013). The role of slope angle, ground roughness and stauchwall strength in the formation of glide-snow avalanches in forest gaps [Proceedings]. International Snow Science Workshop, Penticton, BC, Canada.