Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards

Which smartphone app feature is MOST critical for field use during avalanche rescue operations?

Answer: Offline map functionality

Offline map functionality is essential because cell service is often unavailable in backcountry terrain where rescues occur.

What does the '457 kHz' frequency standard refer to in avalanche safety technology?

Answer: The international standard frequency for avalanche transceivers

457 kHz is the internationally standardized frequency for avalanche transceivers, ensuring all compliant devices can communicate with each other.

When using a digital transceiver in search mode, what does a decreasing signal number typically indicate?

Answer: You are moving closer to the victim

A decreasing distance number on a digital transceiver display means you are getting closer to the buried victim.

Which avalanche forecasting data source provides the most localized snowpack information?

Answer: Field observations submitted by local users

Field observations from local users provide the most current and geographically specific snowpack data for a given area.

What is the primary purpose of an avalanche airbag pack's deployment mechanism?

Answer: To increase the user's volume and help them stay near the surface during an avalanche

Avalanche airbags inflate to increase the user's volume, leveraging the inverse segregation effect to help keep them near the surface of the avalanche debris.

In avalanche app route planning, what does a 'slope angle layer' help users identify?

Answer: Terrain steeper than 30° that is avalanche-prone

Slope angle layers highlight terrain at or above 30°, the critical threshold where most avalanches release.

What technology do modern RECCO reflectors use to aid in avalanche rescue?

Answer: Passive harmonic radar reflection

RECCO reflectors are passive devices that reflect a radar signal emitted by a detector, requiring no battery and no victim action.