Communication Skills: Say it Like a Pro

2023-10-24 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Presenter: Cathy Cowles

Clear communication is an important part of any workplace, and is absolutely essential when managing risk. When we communicate effectively, the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose. Communication can be complex, and we can all learn to improve our skills.

Participants in this workshop will gain information and practical tools to support effective communication while working in the avalanche industry. We’ll discuss situational awareness, practice active listening, and gather pro tips on verbal, written, and physical communication. We will unpack group decision-making methods, and learn techniques for effective collaborative decision-making. The workshop will be facilitated with an emphasis on current cultural considerations, promoting communication skills that are intentionally inclusive.

This is NOT a webinar – it is an interactive on-line (Zoom) workshop, with large and small group discussions, scenarios, reflection, and opportunities to share experiences, successes and shortcomings. Participants should prepare to be actively engaged the whole time, and will need a camera-equipped computer or tablet.

Giving and Receiving Feedback

2023-10-26 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Presenter: Cathy Cowles

 

 

Curiosity: The Antidote to Unhelpful Stress and Trauma

2023-11-09 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Presenter: Lindsey Harris

This presentation invites you to get curious about the stress and trauma responses, why they are helpful, when they become harmful, and how to recognize the difference. We will also explore the individual nature of reactions to any given event. When we understand more about the way bodies and our nervous systems influence our thinking, we are better able to recognize and manage our stress responses. Lindsey will share practical tools and tips to help guide you, or others around you, away from unhelpful stress reactions towards more regulated responses

Avalanche Formation Processes

2023-11-22 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Presenter: Alec van Herwijnen & Bastian Bergfeld

Can I trigger an avalanche? If so, how large will it be? These are vital questions for avalanche forecasters, researchers and winter backcountry travelers. Answering this question is difficult and requires a solid understanding of the processes responsible for avalanche release. In this session, we will therefore provide a general overview of the processes involved in avalanche release, the influence of snowpack properties, and provide a behind the scenes view of how researchers study avalanches.

Reflecting on 10 Years of Operational Use of the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities

2023-12-05 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Presenter: Dr. Pascal Haegeli & Grant Statham

Over the last 15 years, the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard (CMAH) and avalanche problems have become integral components of how avalanche hazard is assessed and communicated in Canada. The CMHA was first introduced to the community in 2008 as core curriculum of the CAA’s ITP Level 3 course, and it has been the foundation for how avalanche hazard information is presented in public avalanche bulletins since 2011. The CMHA was integrated into the InfoEx in 2013, which fully embedded the approach into the daily workflow of all Canadian avalanche professionals.

While the CMAH aimed to provide a consistent, structured way to assess and communicate avalanche hazard, practical experience and several studies have shown that there is considerable variability in how the components of the model are understood and applied. To examine their use and effectiveness more systematically, the Simon Fraser University Avalanche Research Program has conducted several projects focused on how public forecasters apply the CMHA and avalanche problems. While these studies provided interesting insights into existing practices in one particular segment of our industry, we believe that the broader community would also benefit from a review of how the CMAH is being used.

Marking the 10-year anniversary of the CMAH in the InfoEx, the objective of this interactive online workshop is to share existing use practices, review the successes of the CMAH, and, most importantly, discuss the challenges and opportunities that have emerged from its operational use across different segments of the community. Participating in this workshop will provide you with a broader understanding of how the CMAH is being used by other avalanche professionals and an opportunity to share and learn about ideas for how to make the CMAH more effective for our community.

Rivers in the Sky, Forecasting Atmospheric Rivers and their Effects on the Snowpack

2023-12-07 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Presenter: Mathew MacDonald