ASC Snowpack Analysis & Weather Interpretation 3

Question 1

What does a wide, flat fracture line with a sharp, cohesive slab indicate about the avalanche that occurred?

Accepted Answer

A slab avalanche that released on a buried weak layer

Answer

A wide, clean crown with a cohesive slab below is the hallmark of a slab avalanche, where an entire layer released simultaneously along a weak layer.

Question 2

In the North American Avalanche Danger Scale, which danger level accounts for the majority of avalanche fatalities?

Accepted Answer

Moderate (2) and Considerable (3)

Answer

Statistics consistently show that Considerable (3) and Moderate (2) danger levels account for the most fatalities because people underestimate the risk and travel in backcountry terrain.

Question 3

What is 'aspect' in avalanche terrain analysis?

Accepted Answer

The compass direction a slope faces

Answer

Aspect describes which direction a slope faces (N, NE, E, etc.) and is critical because it determines sun exposure, wind loading patterns, and temperature effects on snowpack.

Question 4

Which wind speed threshold is generally considered significant for wind slab formation?

Accepted Answer

15–25 mph (24–40 km/h)

Answer

Winds of 15–25 mph and above can transport snow and deposit wind slabs on lee slopes and terrain features, creating one of the most common avalanche triggers.

Question 5

A 'roller ball' or 'pinwheel' on a slope surface is a sign of:

Accepted Answer

Wet, loose surface snow losing cohesion, indicating wet avalanche potential

Answer

Rollers and pinwheels form when wet surface snow loses strength and rolls downhill, indicating the surface layer is saturated and wet slides are likely.

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

(ASC) Avalanche Safety Certification Practice Test

ASC Snowpack Analysis & Weather Interpretation 3