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Running Head: ASAP SERVICE LEARNING CONSULTANT PACKET ASAP Service - - PDF document
Running Head: ASAP SERVICE LEARNING CONSULTANT PACKET ASAP Service - - PDF document
Running Head: ASAP SERVICE LEARNING CONSULTANT PACKET ASAP Service Learning Consultant Packet Cassie Chrisman, Kirsten Juntunen, Tony Romano, Manuel Solis Western Washington University Table of Contents ASAP Presentation
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Appendix I: Team Contract…………………………………………………………………...105 Appendix J: Team Quarter Work Plan………………………………………………………..108 Appendix K: Individual Reflections………………………………………………………….113
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ASAP Presentation Outline Title: Avalanche Safety Awareness Program ALPTRUTh Presentation Development: For our presentation, we will be using a PowerPoint, projector, and
- screen. For the audience we will have chairs, paper and pens, a printout of the
PowerPoint, and evaluations for the end. Organizational Pattern: Topical Introduction & Welcome
- I. (Attention Getter) How many of you here are snowboarders? Skiers? Snowshoers?
How many of you have witnessed or been involved in an avalanche?
- II. (Audience Adaptation) In 92% of avalanches studied, three or more of these
- bservable characteristics in the acronym ALPTRUTh were present. Many of you here
today are outdoor enthusiasts who know the dangers that are out in the terrain. According to Ian McCammon in his 2007 article, “An Evaluation of Rule-based Decision Tools for Travel in Avalanche Terrain” from Cold Regions Science and Technology, using primary nonparametric analysis, he was able to find that these crucial decision aids would have prevented between 60% and 92% of historical accidents studied, with the actual proportion of accidents prevented varying greatly among distinct decision aids.
- III. (Specific Purpose) We are here to give you the base knowledge and tools of
avalanche safety to build upon.
- IV. (Overall Goal & Benefit of Workshop) The goal for this presentation is to provide
awareness about avalanche safety and introduce you to the many ways to stay safe on the
- terrain. You will be able to benefit from this presentation by knowing the ALPTRUTh
characteristics that can help you make smart decisions while you are enjoying the snowy
- utdoors.
- V. (Learning Outcomes of Workshop) After learning and understanding the basics of
avalanche safety, from here, our hope is that you will take the necessary steps to learn more about avalanches and hopefully enroll in avalanche safety courses. ASAP as well as
- ther organizations teach avalanche safety courses that will allow you to expand upon the
knowledge that you learn here today.
- VI. (Preview) Today we will share with you the seven components that make up the
acronym ALPTRUTh [see Slide #3 in Appendix A].
- A. First, Kirsten will talk about avalanches and loading.
- B. Next, Cassie will discuss what paths and terrain traps are and how they can be
dangerous.
- C. Manny will then discuss the rating scale of backcountry and how
understanding the rating scale can help increase the chances of avoiding avalanche terrain.
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- D. Finally, Tony will explain the last two letters of the acronym which are
unstable snow and thawing snow. Transition to the first point: Ian McCammon, an instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School, studied over 500 avalanche cases. In 92% of avalanches he studied, three or more of these observable characteristics were present. Kirsten will now explain ways to notice if avalanches have occurred. Body
- I. The first two letters of ALPTRUTh stand for avalanches and loading.
- A. Avalanches are the simplest term to know and understand in the acronym.
- 1. If there has been recent avalanche activity, you know it is unsafe to ride.
If so, this is a dangerous time for the snowpack. a. Ask yourself, have there been any avalanches in the last 48 hours? It is essential to check the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website or call the hotline. The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is also known as NWAC.
- b. According to Ian McCammon in his 2007 article, “An
Evaluation of Rule-based Decision Tools for Travel in Avalanche Terrain” from Cold Regions Science and Technology, using primary nonparametric analysis, he was able to find that these crucial decision aids would have prevented between 60% and 92% of historical accidents studied, with the actual proportion of accidents prevented varying greatly among distinct decision aids. c. Remember to check it before you go, not after you get to your destination.
- 2. Looking at this picture [see slide #6 in Appendix A], notice to yourself,
“have avalanches happened recently?” This slide suggests that one has
- ccurred.
- a. One way to know if an avalanche has occurred, is to notice if
the area has clear defined edges. b. This is how you know that it was a recent avalanche.
- B. The second question to ask yourself is if there has been loading in the area
within the last 48 hours.
- 1. Loading is the adding of snow to the top of a snowpack from fresh
snow, wind,
- r recent rain.
- a. Wind is a mini-storm for the snow.
- b. When the wind is coming from the windward side, it deposits
snow on the leeward side. This creates what is known as a cornice which you can see in this picture from Idaho Summits’ website [see slide #7 in Appendix A].
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- i. A cornice is an overhanging mass of snow often caused
by wind.
- ii. This can break off and trigger an
avalanche.
- 2. On this diagram from the Montana Big Sky Country website, you can
see the basics of loading on a mountain [see slide #8 in Appendix A].
- a. At the top we have the cornice. Right about here [point] is where
the loading occurs. This is the most unsafe part of the mountain.
- b. The compressive, tensile and shear strength of the individual
snow layers within the snow cover vary substantially and the strength of the snow layers depends strongly on the state of stress and the strain rate according to the “Snow mechanics and avalanche information: Field experiments on the dynamic response
- f the snow cover” article in the Surveys in Geophysics.
- c. With a falling cornice or someone boarding, this part has the
potential to break off [point].
- d. For example, in the 2008 Cold Region Science and Technology
Journal article titled, “Snowpack observations and fracture concepts for skier-triggering of dry-snow slab avalanches” dry- snow slab avalanche release is generally believed to proceed in three stages.
- i. The first stage is initiation of a local failure (crack).
- ii. The second is widespread fast propagation of that
fracture beneath the slab.
- iii. And the final stage is the detachment of the slab from its
margins.
- e. Also Ian McCammon explains in his 2008 journal article from
Science, “Anticrack nucleation as triggering mechanism for snow slab avalanches”, snow slab avalanches are believed to be set
- f often by the gravity-driven
shear failure of weak layers in what is known as stratified snow. Transition to second main point: Now that I have talked about the first two letters of ALPTRUTh, Cassie will now discuss the dangers of paths and terrain traps.
- II. Avalanche paths and terrain traps can be very dangerous contributors to avalanche
deaths.
- A. An avalanche path is a very dangerous zone to be in; even in the deposition
zone.
- 1. Here [see slide #9 in Appendix A] you can see a path on the mountain
during the spring time. In the winter, this chute has the potential to foster an avalanche path.
- a. On the left [see slide #10 in Appendix A] is an unobvious
avalanche path from the Lake 22 Avalanche Accident Report on the NWAC website that left three buried and one killed.
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- b. This picture on the right is from the Colorado Avalanche
Information Center is of an obvious avalanche path that has already been triggered between the trees.
- 2. This is a diagram of an avalanche path from the Avalanche
Encyclopedia on the Avalanche website [see slide #11 in Appendix A].
- a. The starting zone is where the action begins. This is where the
unstable snow fractures or a cornice breaks off from the top.
- b. The avalanche then begins its way down the track also known as
the path or chute.
- i. On the National Snow and Ice Data Center website, it
states that “large vertical swaths of trees missing from a slope or chute-like clearings are often signs that large avalanches run frequently there, creating their own tracks.”
- ii. Even in areas where trees are not present, only the slope
can be an unobvious path.
- c. The runout zone is where the avalanche comes to a stop.
- i. This is where the snow and debris pile up, and often
where people are likely to be buried.
- ii. Ridges, heavy trees, and the windward side of the
mountain are good places to be during an avalanche.
- B. Who here has heard of terrain traps?
- 1. Terrain traps are the fourth letter in the ALPTRUTh acronym and are
things that are going to make an avalanche worse. a. A terrain trap is hazardous terrain that consists of tress, gullies, crevasses and cliffs that could increase the consequences of any avalanche.
- i. In this picture from the European Avalanche School, you
can see a potentially dangerous terrain trap [see slide #12 in Appendix A].
- ii. If an avalanche were to occur above this gully, snow
would fall down into it, creating a potentially deadly situation if someone were to get pushed down into it along with the snow.
- b. When you are in the outdoors remember to be aware if there are
any gullies, trees or cliffs that could increase the consequences
- f being
caught?
- 2. Watch this avalanche video from Youtube and try to identify some of
the characteristics we have discussed thus far [see slide #13 in Appendix A]. We will discuss your findings when the video is over. Transition to the third point: Manny will now discuss the next component of ALPTRUTh which is rating.
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- III. The fifth component of ALPTRUTh is knowing the Avalanche Hazard Rating scale
[see slide #15 in Appendix A]. It is important to pay attention to the rating at the terrain you will be at.
- A. You can find the full rating bulletin on the NWAC website. This is where
NWAC plays an important role.
- 1. Before going out, check out the NWAC website for the full rating
schedule and elevations.
- 2. At most back country access locations this rating scale will also be
posted along with the current danger level.
- 3. Make sure to always be aware of the current rating as well all other
posted caution signs.
- 4. Acording to the article, “Snow stability variation on small slopes” found
in Cold Regions Science & Technology, a stability rating scheme is commonly based on the median, the spread, and the spatial structure of stability test which results in predicted layers that were most critical for slope stability.
- B. This national rating system is to warn recreationalists who may be entering
dangerous terrain.
- 1. The five ratings range from low to extreme. Moderate, considerable,
and high ratings are in between.
- a. As you look at this graph [see slide #16 in Appendix A], notice
that the Considerable rating is the real deal.
- i. Avalanche zones with this rating state that natural or
human triggered avalanches are probable and states that there are pockets
- f instability.
- ii. Recreationalists often think that they can still risk it
when the rating is at this level.
- b. The considerable rating leads to the most deaths because people
are willing to take chances and inexperienced recreationalists tend to treat all the terrain the same in this rating.
- 2. At the high and extreme rating, most recreationalists decide that it is not
worth the risk.
- 3. It is important though to remember that these are just general ratings
and cover a big area.
- a. There still may be dangers of high rating even when the rating is
considerable.
- b. In a study from an article titled “Verification of regional
snowpack stability and avalanche danger” in the Cold Regions Science and Technology Journal by Schweizer and associates, profiles were assigned to one of five stability classes: Very Poor, Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good.
- i. Relating the stability to the prevailing (verified) danger
level revealed obvious patterns of stability.
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- ii. At the danger level Low, 90% of the profiles were rated
as Good, or Very Good, whereas at the danger level Considerable, more than 50% showed Poor or Very Poor stability.
- c. You must constantly be paying attention to the signs.
Internal Summary: Now that we have introduced you to avalanches, loading, paths, terrain traps, and rating, Tony will now discuss the last two letters that make up ALPTRUTh.
- IV. Unstable snow and thawing snow are the last two important components of this
helpful acronym.
- A. Signs of unstable snow can include cracking, hollow sounds, and whumpfing.
- 1. Is the snow collapsing as you step? Are there cracks shooting out four
feet when you step? As you put your ski pole into the ground does the snow go from hard to soft and back to hard?
- a. These signs should tell you to reevaluate your plans and change
your route.
- b. When there are signs of cracking like in this picture from the
American Alpine Institute, this means there is a slab present and it is unstable; often caused by warming temperatures [see slide #17 in Appendix A].
- 2. A whumpfing noise is heard when an unstable or weak layer of snow
collapses
- n itself which compresses the air, creating the noise.
- a. Cracks may or may not be present when the whumpfing occurs.
- b. This indicates unstable snow and that you need to get out of
avalanche terrain.
- c. Also, an article titled “Texture and strength changes of buried
surface-hoar layers” from the Journal of Glaciology, it states that it is important to point out that weak layers in the snow cover because they can persist for weeks, or in some cases, for months which makes it absolutely essential for operational avalanche forecasters to watch and document the evolution of incessant weak layers, such as buried surface hoar.
- B. The last component of ALPTRUTh is thawing snow and instability.
- 1. Has there been recent significant melting of the snow surface by sun,
rain or warm air such as in this picture from the PBase photo database [see slide #18 in Appendix A]?
- a. These changes lead to unstable snow and wetslides.
- i. Wetslides travel more slowly than dry avalanches.
- ii. They however can be just as deadly.
- b. If you are peeling your coat off, nature is doing the same thing.
- i. If the temperature is rising 3 degrees an hour, this is
considered rapid warming for snowpack.
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- ii. As you are driving up to the mountain, do you notice any
signs
- f thawing snow? It is vital that you not only pay
attention to these signs, but also react upon them.
- 2. Warming snow can contribute to the creation of these pinwheels from
the NWAC website. [see slide #19 in Appendix A].
- a. These donuts occur when a chunk of snow falls off a cliff and
snow collects as it rolls down the mountain.
- b. These pinwheels however will not always be present with
thawing snow.
- i. Water melting from the trees will occur with thawing
snow.
- ii. Shedding your layers is also a sign of the temperatures
rising which means the snow may be becoming more unstable. Transition to conclusion: By knowing and being aware, these seven observable characteristics are things that put you in control of the situation. Conclusion
- V. (Review) Today we discussed the components of ALPTRUTh and how to be aware of
them while on the mountain.
- A. First, Kirsten explained how to be aware of past avalanches and loading.
- B. Second, Cassie talked about paths and terrain traps to watch out for.
- C. Third, Manny explained the importance of the rating scale and how to interpret
the terrain rating.
- D. To wrap it up, Tony discussed how to watch out for unstable snow and the
signs of thawing snow. (Note of Finality) These are just the basics of avalanche safety. They are all observable characteristics that can warn you of increasing danger. It is up to you to observe these things and make your decisions accordingly. Your next step is to immerse yourself in further avalanche awareness and safety education. There are professionals, courses and information available to help you enjoy the snowy outdoors as safe as possible. Take precautions and be aware! At the end of the entire presentation, we will pass out speaker evaluations in hopes that you as the audience will give us constructive criticism to help better build upon our next presentation for ASAP (see Appendix B).
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References American Alpine Institute. (2007) Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.americanalpineinstitute.com/
- Avalanche. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.avalanche.org/
Colorado avalanche information center. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://avalanche.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/EF2009BF-C163-48DD-847D- B0CF7A19F0B1/0/browns_avi.jpg
- Davide. (2006, November 20). Big avalanche [Video file]. Video posted to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0RWLxOFGLY European avalanche school. (2005). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.euro- avalanche.com/ Idaho summits. (2007). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.idahosummits.com/ Jamieson, J. Bruce, & Schweizer, J. (2000). Texture and strength changes of buried surface-hoar layers with implications for dry snow-slab avalanche release. Journal of Glaciology, 46, 151-160. Kronholm, K., Schweizer, J (2003). Snow stability variations on small slopes. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 37. Retrieved November 19, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.library.wwu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=102 &sid=eb0a4728-6831-4e2a-adf4- f8ad6f4f39ff%40sessionmgr108&bdata=JnNpdG U9ZWhvc3 QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=11042073
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Lake 22 Trail Avalanche Accident. (2008, January 4). National weather and avalanche center (Preliminary Report). Retrieved from National Weather and Avalanche Center: http://www.nwac.us/documents/accidents/2007_2008/Preliminary_Lake_22_Acci dent_Summary_01_04_08.pdf McCammon, I, Gumbsch, P, & Zaiser, M. (2008). Anticrack nucleation as triggering mechanism for snow slab avalanches. Science, 321. Retrieved November 18, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=7&hid=114&sid=8c075b58-6080- 441d-a35e- c30932dc01e2%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3 d#db=a 9h&AN=33763831 McCammon, I, & Hageli, P (2007). An evaluation of rule-based decision tools for travel in avalanche terrain. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 47. Retrieved November 16, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=114&sid=8c075b58-6080- 441d-a35e-c30932dc01e2%40sessionmgr107&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG l2ZQ %3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=23445493 McCammon, I. & Schwiezer, J. & Jamieson, B. (2008). Snowpack observations and fracture
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concepts for skier-triggering of dry-snow slab avalanches. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 51, Retrieved November 20, 2008, from https://websso.wwu.edu/ cas/login?service=http%3a%2f%2fezproxy.library.wwu.edu%2flogin%3fqurl%3d ezp. Montana big sky country. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.skimt.com/ National snow and ice data center. Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://nsidc.org/snow/avalanche/ Northwest weather and avalanche center. (2008). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.nwac.us/
- PBase. (1999). Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.pbase.com/
Schneebeli, C.F., & Fohn, P.M.B. (1995, November). Snow mechanics and avalanche formation: Field experiments on the dynamic response of the snow cover. Surveys in
- Geophysics. 16, 621-633.
Schweizer, J, Kronholm, K, & Wiesinger, T. (2008). Verification of regional snowpack stability and avalanche danger. Cold Regions Science & Technology, 37. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=24&hid=114&sid=8c075b5 8- 6080-441d- a35e-c30932dc01e2%40sessio nmgr107&bdata=JnN pdGU9ZWhvc 3QtbG l2ZQ%3d%3d#db= a9h&AN=1104 Wetzel, M., Meyers, M., Borys, R. et al. (2004). Mesoscale snowfall prediction and verification in mountainous terrain. Weather and Forecasting, 19. Retrieved
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