Avalanche Risk Management and Decision Support

A Systems Approach to Human Factors and Expert Decision-Making in Canadian Avalanche Phenomena

SGRC Lead Researcher: Laura Adams

This social science action research project led a Naturalistic Decision Making inquiry into the influence of human factors in Canadian avalanche experts’ judgment and decision-making processes. The objectives of the research were to:

• examine and identify the judgment and decision processes of avalanche experts
• examine the human factors that influence avalanche experts’ ability to make sound judgments and decisions
• explore how these findings may be used to develop strategies for decision skills learning, decision support, and effective avalanche accident prevention.

Partners in the research included Selkirk College, The Canadian Avalanche Foundation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Related Publication:

Supporting Sound Decisions: A Professional Perspective on Recreational Avalanche Accident Prevention in Canada

presented at the International Snow Science Workshop, 2004. Jackson Hole, Wyoming