ʌnˈsɜrtənti and HUCKEM
To accomplish our jobs in the avalanche community we simultaneously work to reduce risk and invite risk. We are divided between seeing risk as the probability of harm or cost resulting from interaction between avalanche hazard, the vulnerability and exposure of an element at risk and “… situations …that, for all the risk involved, are ultimately exhilarating, even life-enhancing (Tom Robbins, 2014)”. We have been coached to “learn to live with risk, manage it, and love it (McClung & Schaerer, 2006)” and to “target risk (Gerald Wilde, 1994)”.The ʌnˈsɜrtənti concept grew from the thought that a simple workflow could be developed that truly exploits uncertainty when it comes to making avalanche hazard assessments and choosing preferred actions. This strategy is incorporated in training provided by Snow Knowledge. It uses the North American conceptual model of avalanche hazard as a core in creating a robust approach that is easy and effective to instruct and understand.
HUCKEM Huckem is a prompt, a stimulus for a structured discussion in an informal moment. A communication shortcut to your backcountry tool box to improve risk management when out there with a group.