Preview of Survey Questions

Scroll down to preview the questions included in our latest survey.

Separate surveys have been created for 24 states and provinces.

The purpose of this exercise is to determine the number of snowmobilers in North America that are at risk to avalanches and their level of preparedness.

Please help us raise the number of completed surveys by forwarding this link to your snowmobile and avalanche contacts:

http://zacstracs.com/FAQ/353/nasurvey

1. According to ISMA an estimated 37,500 snowmobiles were registered in Wyoming in 2009.
Total population 544,270 US Census Bureau. This calculates to 6.89 snowmobiles per 100 people.
Considering this data, please estimate the percentage of these registered snowmobiles that spend time in avalanche terrain.
Rationale for the question: How many riders are at risk?

2. On average, how many days each winter does an average snowmobiler from Wyoming ride in the backcountry?
Rationale for the question: How many riders are at risk?

*3. Please estimate the percentage of backcountry snowmobilers from Wyoming that travel WITHOUT avalanche rescue gear. (beacon, probe, shovel)
Rationale for the question: Are riders heeding the advice of hte avalanche safety community? Are snowmobilers packing the essentials?

4. What is the accessibility to rental avalanche equipment in Wyoming? (beacon, probe, shovel)
Rationale for the question: Internet searches for gear rentals do not locate many options. Is it lack of availability or lack of marketing?

5. Of those using transceivers, please estimate the percentage of backcountry snowmobilers from Wyoming using analog transceivers?
(single antennae, ex. Ortovox F1, Pieps Opti4, SOS…)
Rationale for the question: Are riders looking to newer technologies?

6. Please estimate the percentage of backcountry snowmobilers from Wyoming using avalanche floatation devices (avalanche air bags).
Rationale for the question: Are riders looking to newer technologies?

7. Please estimate the percentage of backcountry snowmobilers from Wyoming with Level 1 (i.e. AST or equivalent) recreational level training.
Rationale for the question: Are riders seeking training?

8. Do you feel multiple search transceiver skills should be taught to snowmobilers at the Level 1 (i.e. AST or equivalent) recreational level training courses?
i.e. skills to isolate individual signals when persons are buried close together.
Rationale for the question: This is a debate amongst avalanche educators. (more rational is included in the survey)

CLICK HERE for general background and LINKS to complete this survey.

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