Risk Assessment & Mitigation Flashcards

During a ski patrol risk assessment, which factor is MOST critical when evaluating avalanche danger on a specific slope?

Answer: Slope angle between 30–45 degrees

Slopes angled 30–45 degrees are the most avalanche-prone terrain, making slope angle the primary terrain factor in avalanche risk assessment.

A group of hikers is caught in a lightning storm in an open meadow. Which mitigation action is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Crouch low on the balls of your feet, feet together, in a lightning crouch

The lightning crouch minimizes body contact with the ground and height, reducing risk of direct strike and ground current injuries.

When assessing risk at a backcountry ski area, the 'human factor' primarily refers to:

Answer: Cognitive biases and group dynamics that lead to poor decision-making

Human factors such as heuristic traps, summit fever, and social pressure are leading contributors to accidents in avalanche terrain.

Which tool is used in structured avalanche decision-making to separate terrain, snowpack, and weather observations?

Answer: Avalanche Triangle / 3x3 framework

The Avalanche Triangle (also called the 3x3 framework) organizes risk factors across terrain, snowpack, and weather at three scales of observation.

A ski patroller notices a guest is repeatedly ignoring closed boundary ropes. The BEST initial risk mitigation step is:

Answer: Verbally educate the guest about the hazard and consequences

Direct verbal communication is the first and most immediate mitigation step, providing education and establishing documentation of the warning.

What does the acronym 'STOP' stand for in outdoor emergency decision-making?

Answer: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan

STOP (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan) is a survival and decision-making framework that prevents panic-driven poor choices in emergencies.

In OEC risk management, a 'near miss' report is valuable primarily because:

Answer: It identifies hazards before they cause actual injury

Near miss reporting is a proactive safety tool that reveals systemic hazards and allows corrective action before a serious injury occurs.