Avalanche Hazard & Risk Worksheet

Operational Assessment Context

Date Valid

Valid Until

Destination Spatial Scale

Team Members Present

Recorder

Weather Analysis of Past 24 hours – capture & highlight notable field wx and std wx observations, trends, red flags associated with development or changes in hazard

Observation site(s) & elevation(s) or range

Sky cover (W1)

Radiation / solar input (notes)

Air temp (°C)

Precipitation type (W2)

Precipitation rate (W2)

HN24 — new snow, 24 h (cm)

HST — storm snow total (cm)

HS — total snowpack height (cm)

Wind speed (W3)

Wind direction (from)

Baro pressure (hPa) & trend

Other (notes)

Weather Synopsis, Forecast, & Prognosis

Synoptic Scale Summary:

Source:

Forecast:

Source:

Effect of observed & forecast weather on Hazard (likelihood and or size)

Hazard Evidence – filter and summarize nearest-neighbor and our own information & trends — include operation and information source (e.g., regional avalanche center, professional observation networks, field teams)

Avalanches & Snowpack

Operations & Terrain

Largest observed avalanche size

Destructive (D)

Relative (R)

Relevancy to our assessment - Identify similarity & differences from our hazard /risk analysis, where are we attributing strength & weight?

Uncertainty Plan - What are our knowledge gaps, targeted observations, most useful tests?

Hazard Forecast

Avalanche Problem Type

Weak layer type / depth

Spatial Distribution

Sensitivity to Triggering

Expected Size – Min

Expected Size – Max

Hazard Chart

Location aspect & elevation band

Terrain features where release is likely

Changes from prior condition

Forecast Avalanche Hazard Rating – include the expected size relative to path & runout distance primary triggering concern, trend.

Above Treeline

Confidence

Near Treeline

Confidence

Below Treeline

Confidence

Risk Assessment & Treatment Consensus

Element at risk & Scenario [objective, exposure, terrain severity]

Non-avalanche hazards & mitigations

Team factors & mitigations: (Goals, ambitions, health, Wx, or field conditions that could affect obs or work objectives?)

Strategic Mindset

Terrain status – locations, zones, or runs Open to travel

Terrain status – locations, zones, runs, or features Closed to travel

Residual risk accepted (risks remaining after mitigation that the team judges acceptable)

Operational Plan

Depart Time

Trailhead Time

Turn Around Time

Trailhead Time

Field Hours

Elevation Gain

ERP Adjustments

Incident Commander:

Team Leader (Task/Strike):

Response contact:

Gear distribution: