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Videos for backcountry recreationists

The videos posted to this channel since ~2015 are by Bruce Jamieson and colleagues. Some of the earlier videos on this channel are links to videos made by ASARC researchers (snowavalanchearchive.com/asarc). The links to all these videos can be shared freely and the videos used for any purpose, including commercially, provided the content and authorship are not altered.

To locate a specific video, go to your browser and enter: vimeo jamieson video keywords

Comparing two methods for estimating the size of an avalanche

03:26

Comparing two methods for estimating the size of an avalanche

The size of a specific avalanche is assessed with the more visual method and a more quantitative method. Uploaded 2024-04-05. CC BY-ND.

Skier triggering. 2D animation

00:14

Skier triggering. 2D animation

A cheesy animation of skier triggering, showing the crack in the weak layer then at the crown. CC BY-ND

Is slab tension a condition that makes rider-triggered avalanches more likely?

20:53

Is slab tension a condition that makes rider-triggered avalanches more likely?

Slab tension means different things to different avalanche practitioners (survey summer 2022). In this (controversial?) 21 minute video, Bruce Jamieson, Karl Birkeland, Grant Statham and Scott Thumlert summarize some common perceptions about slab tension, then review the role of slab tension in the modern understanding of dry slab avalanche release.

Estimating avalanche size - from far and near

05:15

Estimating avalanche size - from far and near

It's easy to underestimate the size of an avalanche from a distance. In this video, Bruce Jamieson outlines a method using on-site estimates of size to calibrate the estimates from a distance. March 2022. CC BY-ND

Triggering a persistent slab avalanche from a thin spot

06:21

Triggering a persistent slab avalanche from a thin spot

Triggering a persistent slab avalanche from a thin spot is infrequent, insidious and potentially deadly. This 6 minute video outlines the snowpack conditions and mechanics. Intended for intermediate and advanced backcountry recreationists and those interested in avalanche science. Feb 2022. CC BY-ND

An intro to snow avalanche dynamics and impact

19:24

An intro to snow avalanche dynamics and impact

An introduction to snow avalanche dynamics and impact. Includes avalanches in motion but no models and almost no math. Intended for anyone interested in avalanche science, early career avalanche practitioners, and Christian Jaedicke's students (perhaps as pre-course material?) Bruce Jamieson and Christian Jaedicke. October 2021.

What works for five experienced avalanche professionals

28:36

What works for five experienced avalanche professionals

Interviews with Marc Piché, Penny Goddard, John Buffery, Sylvia Forest and Larry Stanier. 18 October 2021

Iain Stewart-Patterson on intuition and making decisions for recreation in avalanche terrain

29:57

Iain Stewart-Patterson on intuition and making decisions for recreation in avalanche terrain

A video chat with Iain Stewart-Patterson, May 2021, about intuitive and analytical thinking, trip planning, decision aids and mindsets for recreation in avalanche terrain. CC BY-ND. The podcast is at https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-8mmz8-107ca68

It's convex. Should I avoid it?

19:26

It's convex. Should I avoid it?

Views on the roles of convexities in human triggered avalanches vary widely. In this educational video intended for intermediate and advanced winter backcountry recreationists, Ron Simenhois and Bruce Jamieson present various perspectives and research on human triggering near convex slopes. CC BY-ND.

Avalanche Craft - the ebook

01:22

Avalanche Craft - the ebook

Avalanche Craft - Strategies for reducing risk in the backcountry. Bruce Jamieson and Terry Palechuk, 2021

Should you test the snowpack for instability?

15:43

Should you test the snowpack for instability?

An opinion on the much debated question about whether or not to do snowpack instability tests. Includes ECT technique and interpretation. Doug Chabot and Bruce Jamieson, December 2020. CC BY-ND

A more visual method for rating avalanche size on the D-scale

13:55

A more visual method for rating avalanche size on the D-scale

A video to start discussion about whether visualization will help us rate avalanche size on the D-scale. By Bruce Jamieson, Montse Bacardit, Ethan Greene and Ian Tomm. May 2020. Catalan and Spanish subtitles by Montse Bacardit. German subtitles by Thomas Exner. CC BY-ND.

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