Module 10 | Scenario 2: Human Factors in Utah Avalanche Accidents

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

Instructions

Overview

Human factors have played a role in many but not all Utah avalanche accidents. At the conclusion of this learning activity, you will be more cognizant of these factors if and when you travel in and make decisions in avalanche terrain. You will also be aware that risk in avalanche terrain cannot be completely eliminated.  

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 6 points toward your final grade.

Scenario

You are an avalanche researcher examining the role of heuristic traps in backcountry avalanche accidents in Utah. You are examining past avalanche reports to identify the possible role of these traps and ultimately better educate and improve the decision making of backcountry travelers.  

Here you are specifically examining four avalanche accidents, each of which led to a fatality:

  • Hells Canyon (24 January 2010)

A skier was killed in Hells Canyon, a backcountry area adjacent to Snowbasin resort. The accident report is available here.

  • Taylor Canyon (11 March 2006)

A snowboarder was killed in Taylor Canyon, a backcountry area accessed from the top of the Allen Peak tram at Snowbasin resort. The accident report is available here. 

  • Horseshoe Mountain (26 March 2011)

A skier was killed in an avalanche on Horseshoe Mountain along the Manti Skyline. The accident report is available here.

  • Lost Creek Reservoir (5 February 2012)

A snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche path near Lost Creek Reservoir. The accident report is available here.

Key Concepts

Heuristic traps are mental shortcuts that are not logical or evidence-based and can lead to inaccurate hazard assessment. We have covered them extensively this week, identifying many of them using the FACETs acronym: Familiarity, Acceptance, Consistency/commitment, Expert halo, Tracks/scarcity, and Social facilitation.

FACETS-.png

Citations

Scenario:

Images:

Key Concepts

 
Only registered, enrolled users can take graded quizzes