ASC Technology & Digital Tools 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which data layer in an avalanche forecasting app shows where previous avalanches have occurred?
- Precipitation accumulation layer
- Crown line observation layer (Correct answer)
- Wind transport index layer
- Solar radiation layer
Correct answer: Crown line observation layer
Crown line observation layers map documented avalanche crowns, indicating slopes that have released and providing clues about current weak layers.
Question 2: When multiple transceivers are being searched, what feature helps modern 3-antenna digital units isolate individual signals?
- Multiple victim marking capability (Correct answer)
- Frequency hopping spread spectrum
- GPS triangulation between transceivers
- Automatic gain control filtering
Correct answer: Multiple victim marking capability
Multiple victim marking allows searchers to 'mark' a located transceiver so the device suppresses that signal and highlights the next victim's signal.
Question 3: What is the recommended minimum battery level for an avalanche transceiver before entering the backcountry?
- 25% or higher
- 50% or higher
- 75% or higher (Correct answer)
- Battery level is irrelevant for analog transceivers
Correct answer: 75% or higher
Most manufacturers and avalanche educators recommend a minimum of 75% battery life to ensure reliable transceiver operation throughout a full day in the field.
Question 4: Which map projection format is most commonly used in backcountry navigation apps for accurate distance measurements?
- Mercator projection
- UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) (Correct answer)
- Robinson projection
- Mollweide projection
Correct answer: UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)
UTM is preferred for field navigation because it uses metric grid coordinates and maintains accurate distance and area measurements across small regions.
Question 5: What does 'avalanche danger rose' visualization in forecasting apps display?
- Wind direction patterns causing loading
- Danger ratings broken down by elevation band and aspect (Correct answer)
- Precipitation type distribution by compass direction
- Avalanche runout zone probability by direction
Correct answer: Danger ratings broken down by elevation band and aspect
The danger rose shows how avalanche danger varies across different aspects (compass directions) and elevation bands, helping users make terrain choices.
Question 6: In digital snowpack modeling, what does the term 'cold content' refer to?
- The percentage of ice crystals versus liquid water in a snowpack
- How much energy is needed to bring the snowpack to 0°C isothermal (Correct answer)
- The density of new snow measured at cold temperatures
- Digital temperature sensor calibration offset
Correct answer: How much energy is needed to bring the snowpack to 0°C isothermal
Cold content (also called cold deficit) quantifies the energy required to warm a sub-zero snowpack to the melting point, affecting melt-freeze cycles.
Question 7: Which satellite system, beyond GPS, do modern backcountry navigation devices commonly support for improved accuracy?
- Iridium
- GLONASS (Correct answer)
- LoRaWAN
- APRS
Correct answer: GLONASS
GLONASS is Russia's global navigation satellite system; combining it with GPS gives devices more satellites to lock onto, improving accuracy and reliability.
ASC Technology & Digital Tools 3
Which data layer in an avalanche forecasting app shows where previous avalanches have occurred?