Safety Equipment Usage & Risk Management 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 Safety Equipment Usage & Risk Management flashcards as text
What is the purpose of a 'test slope' evaluation in snowpack risk assessment before entering avalanche terrain?
Answer: To observe snowpack behavior on a representative slope of similar aspect, angle, and elevation to planned terrain
Test slopes with similar characteristics to planned terrain help groups evaluate how the snowpack is behaving before committing to higher-consequence areas.
Which AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) red flag is considered the single most reliable indicator of avalanche danger?
Answer: Recent avalanche activity observed in the field
Recent avalanche activity—natural or human-triggered slides observed in the field—is the most direct evidence that the snowpack is failing and avalanches are likely.
When carrying a packaged avalanche airbag system on a commercial aircraft, what is typically required?
Answer: The airbag cylinder must be removed and declared, or a fan-powered system used since compressed gas cylinders are regulated
Compressed gas cylinders (CO2 or nitrogen) used in avalanche airbags are regulated by aviation authorities; users must remove or declare cylinders, or use fan-powered airbag systems that comply with airline rules.
What is the primary advantage of an electronic (digital) avalanche transceiver over an older analog model?
Answer: Digital transceivers provide directional arrows and distance readings, reducing search time significantly
Digital transceivers display directional arrows and distance estimates, guiding rescuers more intuitively and reducing the search time compared to interpreting analog audio tones alone.
Which risk management principle suggests that groups should turn back before reaching their intended objective if conditions deteriorate?
Answer: The turnaround rule based on predetermined decision points and time limits
Setting predetermined turnaround decision points—based on time, conditions, or terrain—helps groups avoid summit fever and commit to turning back before accepting unacceptable risk.
What is the correct approach when a buried victim is found with suspected spinal injury during avalanche rescue?
Answer: Prioritize rapid airway clearance and breathing over spinal precautions, as asphyxiation is the immediate life threat
In avalanche rescue, asphyxiation is the primary killer; the airway must be cleared rapidly even with suspected spinal injury, as a dead victim with a protected spine is not the goal.
What is the 'avalanche triangle' framework used to evaluate in field risk assessment?
Answer: The three contributing factors of snowpack instability, terrain, and human factors that must converge for an accident to occur
The avalanche triangle identifies snowpack, terrain, and human factors as the three elements that must all be present for an avalanche accident; managing any one element reduces risk.