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OUT-OF-BOUNDS AVALANCHE AWARENESS: ASSESSMENT, CURRENT PRACTICES, AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT

Increasing numbers of recreationists are accessing the backcountry beyond the boundaries of winter resorts. For recreationists, the sudden transition to backcountry avalanche con- ditions poses a risk management challenge. For resorts, the content and presentation of out-of- bounds (OB) hazard information presents a risk communication challenge. The goals of this project were to gain a better understanding of avalanche awareness among OB users and to identify effective strategies for informing their decisions in OB avalanche terrain. Be- cause the OB phenomenon is multi-faceted and complex, we used a mixed-methods, multilevel eco- logical approach involving focus groups, intercept surveys, expert interviews, site visits, and a retrospective accident analysis. Qualitative analysis supported a precautionary stage model consist- ing of five general categories of OB user. Since each of these categories is characterized by a unique orientation towards risk, it appears likely that each category is best targeted by specific interventions. We conclude by presenting a preliminary framework for resort operators that facilitates diagnosis and treatment of common OB risk communication problems.