Risk Assessment & Mitigation Flashcards
7 cards from real ASC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Risk Assessment & Mitigation flashcards as text
Which snowpack layer characteristic is most indicative of a persistent weak layer capable of triggering avalanches weeks after burial?
Answer: Faceted crystals with poor interlayer bonding
Faceted crystals form through temperature gradient metamorphism and maintain weak bonds even after burial, creating persistent weak layers.
When evaluating avalanche risk on a slope, what does a 'whumpfing' sound from the snowpack indicate?
Answer: A buried weak layer collapsing under load
Whumpfing indicates sudden collapse of a buried weak layer, a clear sign of an unstable snowpack with high avalanche potential.
A group is planning a ski tour. Recent loading from 18 inches of new snow has occurred. What is the MOST appropriate risk mitigation strategy?
Answer: Avoid convex rolls and lee slopes, travel one at a time on risky terrain
Avoiding terrain traps and convex rolls while practicing one-at-a-time travel limits exposure and reduces consequence if an avalanche releases.
The 'Obvious Clues' category in avalanche risk assessment includes which of the following?
Answer: Recent avalanche activity visible on surrounding slopes
Recent avalanche activity on surrounding slopes is one of the strongest obvious clues of current instability.
What is the primary purpose of the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES)?
Answer: To classify route difficulty based on avalanche terrain complexity
ATES classifies terrain into Simple, Challenging, and Complex categories based on avalanche exposure to help trip planners match terrain to skill and conditions.
Which wind speed threshold is commonly cited as sufficient to transport snow and load lee slopes with wind slab?
Answer: 15 mph (25 km/h)
Winds above roughly 15 mph can move snow and deposit wind slabs on lee aspects, creating avalanche-prone conditions.
In the context of human factors in avalanche accidents, 'heuristic traps' refer to:
Answer: Mental shortcuts that lead to poor risk decisions in the field
Heuristic traps are cognitive biases—such as familiarity, commitment, and social pressure—that cause experienced travelers to underestimate avalanche risk.