Avalanche Journal – Wicked Learning Article
The term “wicked risk” for avalanche avoidance refers to the dangerous nature of avalanche terrain as a “wicked-learning environment”, where the risk is unclear because outcomes are often based on luck rather than skill. You can minimize risk by avoiding avalanche terrain, such as slopes steeper than 30 degrees and by continuously assessing conditions, using proper gear, and employing safe travel techniques like crossing slopes one at a time at the top or bottom.
Understand the “wicked-learning environment”
- In a wicked-learning environment, rules are unclear, feedback is often inaccurate, and mistakes can be fatal.
- You can ski a slope without it avalanching, which makes you feel it was a smart decision, but you may have just been lucky.
- This makes it difficult to learn from experience, as you might not get the correct feedback to avoid danger in the future.
Minimize risk by avoiding avalanche terrain
- Travel on the valley floor, along ridgetops, or in dense timber.
- Stick to slopes of
25∘25∘ or less and avoid slopes with steeper terrain above them.
- Avoid cornices, or large hanging masses of hardened snow.
- Look for signs of past avalanches, such as missing trees, broken trees, or large swaths of open terrain.
- Identify and stay out of terrain traps, such as gullies, cliffs, or flat areas where snow debris can pile up, making a burial more likely and rescue more difficult.
Practice safe travel techniques
- Cross avalanche areas one at a time.
- Climb or descend a slope at the edge, not the center.
- Use the terrain to your advantage by crossing at the very top or bottom of a slope if possible.
- Continuously make your own observations and assessments of the snowpack and weather from the time you leave until you return.
- Pay attention to the avalanche forecast for your specific area.
Always be prepared
- Carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear.
- Understand the risks and turn back or alter your route if conditions appear unstable.