Avalanche Studies

What is a snowpack?

• A system that measures snow temperature.
• The tools used to forecast avalanches.
• The layers of snow that accumulate on the ground.
• A type of snow shelter built by avalanche experts.
• A snowmobile used for avalanche rescue.

What does an avalanche beacon do?

• It automatically deploys airbags when an avalanche is detected.
• It emits a signal to help locate avalanche victims.
• It provides weather forecasts for avalanche-prone areas.
• It sends an alert to emergency responders.
• It measures snow depth and density.

What should be the first action in an avalanche rescue?

• Shouting for help to gather a rescue team.
• Using a transceiver to locate a buried victim.
• Digging through snow with a snow shovel immediately.
• Alerting local authorities before attempting a rescue.
• Attempting to dig the victim out without any tools.

What is an "avalanche zone"?

• A specific area where avalanches do not occur.
• An area with conditions that are highly conducive to avalanches, such as steep slopes.
• A designated rescue area where avalanche victims are brought.
• An area without any snow or ice accumulation.
• A location for conducting avalanche research only.

What is a "spring avalanche"?

• An avalanche that occurs due to heavy rain in the summer months.
• A rapid avalanche that occurs during a sudden cold snap.
• An avalanche that happens in the spring due to warming temperatures and snowmelt.
• An avalanche that occurs when a cold front moves in during winter.
• An avalanche that is triggered by seismic activity in the spring.

What is the "avalanche triangle" used for?

• To predict the type of avalanche likely to occur.
• To evaluate the three key factors that influence avalanche risk: snow, terrain, and weather.
• To estimate avalanche size and impact.
• To measure the strength of an avalanche.
• To determine safe skiing routes.

What is the main purpose of avalanche airbags?

• To reduce the impact of an avalanche by cushioning the body.
• To help keep a person on top of the snow, reducing burial risk.
• To allow people to breathe under snow during an avalanche.
• To automatically trigger an avalanche by releasing pressure.
• To provide warmth in extreme conditions.

What is the term for a device used to locate people buried in avalanches?

• A beacon.
• A transceiver.
• A probe.
• An avalanche bag.
• A snow shovel.

Which of these can help determine avalanche stability?

• Measuring the snow’s texture and grain size.
• Conducting snowpack tests, such as the compression test or shear test.
• Monitoring the wind speed.
• Observing the ice conditions in the snow.
• Checking local traffic reports for avalanche warnings.

What does an avalanche safety course typically teach?

• How to ski faster to avoid avalanches.
• How to recognize avalanche hazards, use safety equipment, and perform rescues.
• How to predict the weather in avalanche-prone areas.
• How to create avalanche zones for ski resorts.
• How to build snow shelters for survival in avalanches.

What is an "avalanche debris flow"?

• A slow-moving sheet of snow.
• A type of avalanche that only affects tree cover.
• A mixture of snow, ice, and debris that flows downhill after an avalanche.
• A small snowstorm that causes minimal damage.
• A seasonal buildup of snow on mountain slopes.

What is an avalanche?

• A mass of snow, ice, and debris that slides down a mountain slope.
• A large rainstorm that occurs in mountainous regions.
• A rockslide that occurs on steep terrain.
• A sudden cold snap in mountainous areas.
• A large-scale flooding event in a valley.

What is the primary method of avalanche forecasting?

• Measuring daily rainfall.
• Monitoring snow conditions, weather patterns, and terrain features.
• Predicting wind patterns across mountain ranges.
• Monitoring earthquake activity.
• Analyzing satellite imagery of the mountains.

Which type of snow is most likely to cause an avalanche?

• Powder snow that is light and fluffy.
• Snow that has been compressed into ice.
• Loose, dry snow that is unstable.
• Wet snow that is heavy and dense.
• Frozen crusted snow that is hard to break through.

What is the "avalanche danger scale" used for?

• To predict the weather in avalanche-prone regions.
• To monitor the amount of snow falling in an area.
• To rate the likelihood of avalanches occurring based on various conditions.
• To measure the size of an avalanche.
• To estimate the strength of a snowstorm.

Which of the following is NOT a tool used in avalanche rescue?

• An avalanche beacon.
• An avalanche probe.
• A ski lift chair.
• An avalanche shovel.
• A snow saw.

Which type of avalanche is most dangerous for skiers and snowboarders?

• A wet snow avalanche.
• A rockslide.
• A slushflow.
• A dry snow avalanche.
• A debris flow.

What does the avalanche "victim" term typically refer to?

• A person who has experienced a severe snowstorm.
• A person trapped under an avalanche.
• A person who has been swept away or buried by an avalanche.
• A person involved in avalanche research.
• A person who caused an avalanche to occur.

What is the role of avalanche control in ski areas?

• To predict when an avalanche will occur.
• To prevent avalanches by deliberately triggering them.
• To warn skiers about avalanche danger.
• To monitor snow levels on ski lifts.
• To treat injuries caused by avalanches.

How can you reduce your avalanche risk while snowboarding?

• By snowboarding at high speeds down steep slopes.
• By snowboarding in well-known, controlled areas with low avalanche risk.
• By choosing to avoid avalanche safety equipment.
• By snowboarding alone to avoid crowding.
• By snowboarding in remote, unexplored areas to find untouched snow.

What is the primary reason for carrying an avalanche probe in the backcountry?

• To measure snow temperature.
• To mark potential avalanche zones.
• To locate and rescue avalanche victims by probing the snow.
• To dig snow shelters quickly.
• To signal other backcountry users.

What is a "point release" avalanche?

• An avalanche that starts at a single point and spreads out in a wide area.
• A small, localized avalanche that begins at a single point and runs downhill.
• An avalanche that occurs in a narrow, confined path.
• A type of avalanche that involves water and snow mixing.
• A triggered avalanche caused by a loud noise or explosion.

How does the slope angle influence avalanche risk?

• The flatter the slope, the higher the avalanche risk.
• Avalanches occur more often on slopes with little snow accumulation.
• Steeper slopes (30–45 degrees) are more prone to avalanches.
• Avalanches do not occur on slopes with angles over 45 degrees.
• Steep slopes are always safe for skiing and snowboarding.

Which of the following is a common safety precaution for those venturing into avalanche-prone areas?

• Wearing bright, reflective clothing.
• Carrying avalanche safety equipment such as a beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Avoiding traveling during winter months.
• Skiing on avalanche-prone slopes without concern.
• Traveling in large groups to deter avalanche triggers.

Which of the following is NOT a typical precaution when preparing for an avalanche-prone area?

• Skiing only on groomed slopes with no backcountry exposure.
• Checking avalanche forecasts and warnings before traveling.
• Carrying essential avalanche rescue equipment.
• Avoiding areas with heavy snowfall and high winds.
• Monitoring snow conditions in real time.

How does temperature affect avalanche formation?

• Warmer temperatures increase the snowpack's stability.
• Rapid temperature changes can weaken the snowpack, increasing avalanche risk.
• Cold temperatures prevent avalanches from occurring.
• Temperature has no effect on avalanche formation.
• Cold temperatures make avalanches less likely.

What does "terrain trapping" mean in avalanche safety?

• Skiing in the least risky areas to avoid avalanches.
• Being caught in a confined space such as a gully or a ravine, which increases burial risk.
• Moving quickly to avoid being trapped by snow.
• Avoiding areas with steep, open terrain.
• Traveling in groups to reduce avalanche risk.

What can help you avoid being caught in an avalanche?

• Skiing on high-risk slopes during storms.
• Choosing safer, low-angle terrain and staying informed about avalanche conditions.
• Ignoring avalanche warnings and forecasts.
• Traveling alone in backcountry areas.
• Skiing in areas without avalanche control measures.

What does a "hard slab" avalanche mean?

• It is caused by a small, rapid snowstorm.
• It occurs in warm weather conditions.
• It is a type of avalanche where the snowpack breaks into large, hard slabs.
• It involves loose, dry snow sliding off a mountain.
• It is an avalanche caused by rockslides.

Which of the following is considered the most dangerous avalanche terrain?

• A flat, open field.
• A wooded area with dense trees.
• A steep slope (30–45 degrees) with unstable snow conditions.
• A snow-covered valley floor.
• A rock outcrop with minimal snow coverage.

Which of the following is a common sign that an avalanche is imminent?

• Clear skies and calm winds.
• The sound of cracking or collapsing snow.
• Heavy rain during winter months.
• Large amounts of snowfall with no wind.
• High temperatures on mountain peaks.

How does wind influence avalanches?

• It decreases avalanche risk by compacting snow.
• It always increases avalanche risk in mountainous areas.
• It can deposit large amounts of snow on slopes, increasing avalanche potential.
• Wind does not play a significant role in avalanche formation.
• It causes the snow to melt, reducing avalanche risk.

What is the safest technique to reduce avalanche risk when skiing in the backcountry?

• Skiing at high speeds to avoid being caught in the snow.
• Skiing only in areas with little snow accumulation.
• Skiing in small groups and staying on low-risk terrain.
• Skiing in remote, untracked areas.
• Skiing on steeper slopes to avoid snow buildup.

Which of the following is NOT a common indicator of avalanche risk?

• A rapid change in weather conditions.
• Clear, sunny weather.
• Recent snowfall or snow accumulation.
• Visible cracks in the snowpack.
• High winds.

How can human activity influence the likelihood of avalanches?

• By making the snow more compact and stable.
• By adding weight to the snowpack, increasing the chances of failure.
• By clearing snow from areas prone to avalanches.
• By creating areas where avalanches are less likely to occur.
• By increasing snow depth in specific regions.

Which of the following can trigger an avalanche?

• A flash flood in a nearby valley.
• A skier or snowboarder moving on the snow.
• A lightning strike.
• Heavy rain on a mountain slope.
• A sudden rise in temperature at sea level.

What is an "avalanching slope"?

• A slope where avalanches are guaranteed to occur.
• A slope that has been cleared of all snow to prevent avalanches.
• A slope with steep angles and unstable snow conditions that are prone to avalanches.
• A slope that is intentionally created for avalanche research.
• A slope that is considered safe for skiing at all times.

What does the "24-hour avalanche forecast" provide?

• The likelihood of an avalanche occurring based on recent snowfall and weather conditions.
• The best times to ski based on avalanche likelihood.
• A prediction of avalanche conditions for a specific area for the next 24 hours.
• An estimate of the size and strength of potential avalanches.
• A summary of avalanche statistics for the last month.

What is a "slab avalanche"?

• An avalanche caused by a sudden burst of high winds.
• A minor avalanche caused by a flash flood.
• An avalanche that occurs when a large slab of snow breaks free from the snowpack and slides.
• An avalanche that involves rocks and debris rather than snow.
• A slow-moving avalanche that causes minimal damage.

What is the main cause of avalanches?

• A sudden heavy snowfall.
• A weak layer of snow under heavy snow accumulation.
• High winds in mountain areas.
• A rapid temperature increase.
• Earthquakes in mountainous regions.

What should you do if you are caught in an avalanche?

• Try to dig through the snow immediately.
• Try to stay on top of the snow, use swimming motions, and create an air pocket.
• Stay still and wait for rescue teams to find you.
• Shout for help to alert others.
• Run in the opposite direction of the avalanche to avoid being caught.