Read the article titled
Snowflakes and Avalanches
Check your knowledge and understanding of the article by answering the following
questions:
- What was Karl Birkeland's "big mistake" while skiing at Snowbasin in
Utah?
- How many people are killed in the US every year by avalanches? Worldwide
deaths?
- What is "snowflake crunch?"
- How many pounds is an avy measuring 3 feet deep, 100 yards long, and 50
yards across?
- What happens to snowflakes when they touch the ground?
- What is "grapple" according to the article? How about "corn," "foof," or
"mashed potatoes?"
- When do avalanches often occur?
- What dictates bigger hazards for an avalanche to occur?
- What kind of a slope is the most likely to have avalanche?
- Can avalanches occur on all slopes?
- Which avalanches are the hardest to predict?
- How do snow layers destabilize?
- What is the "microscopic approach" to looking at avalanche danger?
- Why is it worth taking an avalanche awareness class?
- What equipment should a skier or boarder who's heading into the
backcountry always have?
- Do you believe Dozier and Birkeland have fun or boring jobs? Explain
your answer.
Extra Credit:
You and your best friend are coming down Hemlock's Ridge. The snow is
incredible and you are having a lot of fun. It is just the two of you. Your
friend all of a sudden gets caught in an avalanche. What do you do? Write a
well-detailed paragraph (or more) explaining what you would do in such an
unfortunate event? Include many details, as your friend's life depends upon your
response.
16 questions @ 3 points per question = 48 points
Extra Credit = 15 possible points
Explain to your teacher why you took the quiz and
ask your teacher to check your answers.
Maybe your teacher will offer you the extra points for doing the extra work?
