Teton Snow Geek

-“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” –

-Paul J. Meyer-

In high risk activities we over communicate…purposely. In short, we take turns being “Captain Obvious”.-

This preoccupation not only reminds us of the risks we undertake but the protocols we employ to mitigate them. 

Despite a high level of confidence in the conditions and stability, prior to departing verbalizes her approach and plan for engaging in the terrain and potential escape route. 

This approach gives her an opportunity to visualize her actions while describing it and the team an idea her intended actions. It also gives her team an opportunity to question the plan as well as prepare for an emergency response if necessary.

How do you communicate in a high risk environment?

How do you manage risk?
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While the equation is quite simple: Risk = Consequence x Exposure x Vulnerability…applying this takes a lot of experience and mentorship. Here is a look into my process.
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Consequences:
The consequences of being caught on this slope in an avalanche or from a simple slip and fall would be catastrophic: The probability of survival somewhere around nil. This slope had recently slid on an early season layer with no new snow since the slide. Thus, avalanche hazard nearly eliminated. The bed-surface of the slide was hard and supportable that made for good crampon climbing. We limited the risk of a fall with good timing. We climbed the route as the day warmed and got off it before it got too hot. Stable crampon purchase while maintaining its supportability.
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Exposure:
We had to climb the route and expose ourselves to the crossing to get to our intended decent. We limited exposure to avalanches by climbing the route after the an avalanche occurred. We limited the consequences of a fall by climbing in the early morning hours during a slow warm up. Providing us with good crampon purchase. And by moving fast, we limited the time in the terrain and thus our exposure to potential hazard.
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Vulnerability:
You are a small human….for the rest of the article go to the link in the bio!

The management and selection of terrain can be an overwhelming experience. Here is what our process at the looks like. Click the link in our bio to read the complete article with recommendations of how to apply these concepts.