Write a technical report focused on a notable avalanche event.  The avalanche incident should have occurred within the past few years seasons at the course participant’s workplace. If you are struggling to find an incident at your workplace to use for this report, you can also write your report by interviewing someone about an incident they have had at work.  The learning outcomes for the Technical Report are focused on gathering, synthesizing, and presenting information and analysis of an event in the workplace.  These outcomes can be accomplished by interviewing someone, gathering info and resources from them, and then presenting the information in the report format.  Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or are struggling with this assignment.

The event is described as “notable” meaning some aspect of the event was unexpected or significant. A significant event would have resulted in an operational debrief with operational changes made post event. 

This incident may have been a “near miss” or an “involvement”, or affected any element at risk (i.e. vehicle, building or structure).   

Alternatively, it may have just been unusual or notable with no exposure to any element at risk, and was considered a “valuable learning experience” for coworkers and/or the public.

The report must meet the following format and criteria: 

A. Word count can be as long as you need, but try to keep it under 5,000 words.  Authors should use size 12 font and 1.5 line spacing, with 1” margins (2.5cm). 

B. The report must include: 

•  Title page w/ authors name

•  Table of Contents (optional: list of figures)

• Introduction or executive summary (Establish the credibility of the author. Describe the context, the elements at risk, the location, and a brief summary of the event. Outline the flow and direction of the report).

• Description of the Avalanche Event (Describe a brief history of the key weather events and snowpack observations that created the hazard leading up to the event. Describe the terrain and avalanche occurrence information. Outline the sequence of the events, including the worker activity, involvement, and decision making that contributed to the notable occurrence). 

• Summary conclusions (Summary analysis or debrief by the author including both “lessons learned”, and any operational changes enacted to prevent this type of occurrence in the future).

• Appendix (this can include additional locator maps, avalanche atlas excerpts, operational hazard analysis forms, blasting logs, etc). 

• Figures. The written summary of data, evidence, and observations must be supported by figures with captions, including graphs, profile forms, locator maps, locator photos, avalanche occurrence photos etc. 

• Provide sources and acknowledgments for statements and evidence. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a categorical failure of this element of the course.

• Grammar and sentence structure must be professional and easy to read. When using technical language, the author assumes the reader is a professional avalanche worker with fluency with SWAG guidelines and terms.