Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - REM 427 D100

Avalanche Risk Management (4)

Class Number: 5682

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 150 or 151 or 154 or 157 and one of STAT 201 or 203 or 205 or GEOG 251 or equivalent, and 60 units; or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Interdisciplinary introduction to snow avalanches and the management of the associated risks. Embedded in an overall risk management framework, the course discusses the physics of avalanche formation, identification and characterization of avalanche terrain, the fundamentals of hazard assessment, and mitigation approaches in different contexts with practical examples from in Canada.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, you will get an interdisciplinary overview of avalanche risk management that covers the physical processes involved in avalanche formation, the characteristics of terrain threatened by avalanches, the methods used for assessing avalanche hazard and mitigating the risk, and the medical aspects of avalanche survival.

After this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how avalanche risk affects Canadians and how it is managed in different contexts, such as commercial guiding, ski areas, transportation and public safety. The material taught in this course will either deepen your understanding of what you might have learned in an Avalanche Skills Training or CAA course or provide you with an academic starting point for a professional career in avalanche safety by giving you deep insight into the inner workings of avalanche safety in Canada. Visit https://avalancheresearch.ca/rem-427/ for a complete description of the course.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Once you complete this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the avalanche risk challenges in Canada and identify the key stakeholders of the avalanche safety community (foundational knowledge).
  • Conceptualize avalanche risk as a multifaceted phenomenon whose management requires an understanding of both the natural phenomenon and the human activities interacting with it (application, integration).
  • Summarize the fundamental processes contributing to avalanche hazard (foundation knowledge):
    • snowpack processes associated with avalanche formation
    • fracture mechanics principles that describe avalanche release
    • features of avalanche terrain
  • Discuss the components avalanche risk management (identification, analysis, evaluation, treatment) and relate them to the general concepts of risk and risk management (application, integration).
  • Explain the human factors contributing to avalanche risk and the societal dimension of avalanche risk management (foundational knowledge).
  • Characterize the nature of different avalanche risk management situations and link effective mitigation solutions building on the concepts and principles covered in this course (application, integration).
  • Understand the necessary steps for pursuing a career as an avalanche safety professional or bringing their recreational avalanche risk management skills to the next level (caring).
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively (skills).

Grading

  • In-class exams 30%
  • Main assignment (runout model application) 25%
  • Group project 30%
  • Class attendance and participation 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Jamieson, B. (2018). Planning methods for assessing and mitigation snow avalanche risk. Revelstoke, BC: Canadian Avalanche Association [can be purchased from instructor].

Canadian Avalanche Association. (2016). Technical aspects of snow avalanche risk management—Resources and guidelines for avalanche practitioners in Canada (C. Campbell, S. Conger, B. Gould, P. Haegeli, J. B. Jamieson, & G. Statham Eds.). Revelstoke, BC
[available online for free from https://www.avalancheassociation.ca/page/GuidelinesStandards]

Additional topic-specific required readings are provided on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.