Avalanche knowledge, experience, and behaviors among winter backcounrry users in Turnagain Pass, Alaska

摘要

Since 1950, 693 people in the United States have died from avalanche-related incidents (Colorado Avalanche Information Center).... Nearly half of these deaths have occurred since 1990 [and] this disquieting trend is occurring simultaneously with an observable rise in participation of winter recreation throughout the United States......There is strong evidence to support the notion that nationwide, participation and participation intensity in winter recreational activities will continue to rise (Bowker 1999). State-level outdoor recreation participation estimates for Alaska suggest that the number of residents participating in backcountry skiing and off-road vehicle use, including snow machining, will increase by 35 percent and 29 percent respectively by the year 2020 (SCORP 1997). This is particularly important in Alaska, where in recent years a large percentage of avalanche fatalities have occurred....