ASC Case Analysis & Practical Application 2

Question 1

A group discovers a buried victim 45 minutes after burial. Their beacon search located the signal but probe strikes have not confirmed the body. What is the next correct action?

Accepted Answer

Continue probing in a systematic spiral pattern until the body is confirmed

Answer

Probing must confirm the exact burial location before shoveling begins to avoid injuring the victim and to shovel efficiently.

Question 2

During a rescue, the first shoveler reaches the victim at 1.5 m depth. The victim is unresponsive and not breathing. What takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Enlarge the hole to allow access, then assess airway and begin resuscitation

Answer

The burial hole must be enlarged to allow proper airway management and CPR; resuscitation cannot be performed effectively in a confined hole.

Question 3

A party of three is descending a 35° north-facing slope after three days of clear weather following a significant snowfall. What is the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Persistent weak layer buried beneath new snow

Answer

North-facing slopes preserve buried weak layers longer because they receive less solar radiation, making persistent slab problems the primary hazard days after snowfall.

Question 4

You witness a skier trigger an avalanche on an adjacent slope. The slide debris is still settling. What is the immediate first action?

Accepted Answer

Note the last-seen point and watch the debris until it stops moving

Answer

Marking the last-seen point while observing the settling debris helps establish a search start point and ensures rescuers do not enter an unstable slide path prematurely.

Question 5

A team leader proposes crossing a convex roll on a 38° slope rated Considerable (3) danger. One member objects, citing the convexity. Who is correct and why?

Accepted Answer

The objecting member, because convex rolls concentrate stress and are high-frequency trigger zones

Answer

Convex rolls are stress concentrators where slabs are most likely to fracture, making them dangerous regardless of whether the overall danger rating is moderate.

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

ASC Case Analysis & Practical Application 2