Technical Skills in Outdoor Education Flashcards

A student's compass reads a bearing of 090° off the map, and local declination is 12° East. Using a non-adjustable compass, what bearing should they follow in the field?

Answer: 078°

With east declination, subtract declination when converting a map (true) bearing to a magnetic bearing: 90° − 12° = 78°.

On a topographic map, contour lines forming a V shape that points uphill typically indicate what feature?

Answer: A drainage or stream valley

Contour V's point upstream (uphill) in valleys and drainages.

Which knot is best for creating a fixed loop at the end of a rope that will not slip and is easy to untie after loading?

Answer: Bowline

The bowline forms a secure fixed loop that remains relatively easy to untie after being loaded.

When treating backcountry water by boiling, the CDC recommends a rolling boil for how long at elevations above 6,500 feet (about 2,000 m)?

Answer: 3 minutes

Above 6,500 feet, water should be boiled for 3 minutes because water boils at a lower temperature.

In a group paddling situation, which canoe stroke is primarily used by the stern paddler to keep the boat tracking straight without switching sides?

Answer: J-stroke

The J-stroke adds a corrective outward push at the end of the forward stroke to counteract turning.

Which Leave No Trace guideline best applies to choosing a campsite in a pristine area with no established sites?

Answer: Disperse use and move camp nightly to avoid creating new sites

In pristine areas, dispersing use and avoiding repeated impact prevents the creation of new campsites.

A cumulonimbus cloud builds rapidly in the afternoon while your group is on an exposed ridge. What is the most appropriate first action?

Answer: Descend off the ridge to lower, less exposed terrain

Leaving exposed high terrain early is the most effective lightning risk reduction.