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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
05:37
An R-Based Landscape Validation of a Competing Risk Model
Published on: September 16, 2022
Risk taking in avalanche terrain: a study of the human factor contribution
Albert E Sole1, Carolyn A Emery, Brent E Hagel
1Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. asole@ucalgary.ca
Summary
Human factors influence avalanche incidents. Seeking intense experiences increases risk, while memorable experiences offer protection, with risk moderated by group composition.
Area of Science:
- Human factors research
- Avalanche safety
- Risk-taking behavior
Background:
- Avalanche incidents pose significant risks to outdoor enthusiasts.
- Understanding human factors is crucial for developing effective avalanche safety strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between various human factors and the occurrence of avalanche incidents.
- To identify motivational factors contributing to avalanche risk-taking behavior.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 447 participants who had entered avalanche terrain.
- Data collected via self-report, intercept, and web-based surveys over one year.
- Independent variables included demographics, experience, training, risk propensity, and motivations.
Main Results:
- Women and travel companions were associated with a lower likelihood of avalanche incidents.
- Seeking intense experiences was linked to higher incident risk, while seeking memorable experiences was protective.
- Training did not significantly reduce incident risk after adjusting for exposure, and experience was not a factor.
Conclusions:
- Individuals engage in avalanche risk to fulfill motivational needs, with varying risk levels associated with different motivations.
- Training may be utilized to access risk-related benefits rather than solely for risk reduction.
- Group dynamics, specifically the presence of women, can moderate risk-taking behavior among men.
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