Avalanche risk assessment - Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural ...

Risk management typically involves
six steps (Figure 76). Risk
communication with all stakeholders
is an important part of each
step.
Risk assessment is regarded as a
continuous iterative process (Figure
77). The monitor and review
process is important because
ongoing forest development may
increase the avalanche risk over
time. Review gives management
verification as to the success of risk
reduction strategies in use. Continuous
risk assessment not only
applies to the day-to-day evaluation
of snow stability and
avalanche danger, but also to the
overall avalanche risk in an operating
area over time.
Forest managers should watch for
“insidious” risks that may develop
as harvesting moves onto higher,
steeper terrain or, locally, where
steep blocks are harvested above
camps, mills, scales, residential
areas, transportation corridors,
bridges, or power lines.
Once a detailed risk assessment is complete, an experienced avalanche
practitioner should be consulted to develop a suitable winter safety
program.
Responsibility for Risk Management
Avalanche risk management is everyone’s responsibility. Risk management
should be integrated and owned throughout a company or
operation. A sound objective is to develop a corporate safety culture
above and beyond Workers’ Compensation Board requirements. There
should be one, clearly identifiable individual who assesses the overall
situation each day during the avalanche season. That person shall be
Chapter 3 Avalanche risk assessment 55
Risk communication
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Establish the context
Identify the risk (“what if”)
Analyze the risk
Assess the risk
Treat the risk
Monitor and review
figure 76 Steps in the risk management decisionmaking
process. (After Canadian Standards Association
1997, p.7; Keey 1998)
Act
Observe
Assess
Analyze
figure 77 Process of continuous risk assessment.
(Elms 1998)