

Define high, medium & low risk activities;
Be aware of how the varying levels of risk
affect the decisions we make at all of the
various stages of our courses.
◦ E.g ratios, preparation, equipment, group
management and other in-field decisions

Level of risk based on potential or existing
hazards that are:

Subjective (internal or personal): fatigue,
fitness, health, psychological well-being,

Objective (external, environmental): terrain,
weather, water conditions
Level of risk based on severity of these these
hazards and likelihood of them occurring
Does the course fit in our program?

Will we do the course this year?

How will the course be organized
this semester? (location, dates,
expected # of students, assistants)


This month, what do we know about the
prevailing conditions? (Snow pack, water
levels)

This week, has anything changed?

Today, what is the status of the subjective or
objective hazards?

In-field, what is happening?
Risk is quantified for
insurance companies.
What’s in it for us?
 Help
us make yearly,
monthly, weekly, daily
decisions
Medium Risk
(Mountain
biking)
High Risk
(Canoeing)




> 4 hrs from
assistance

Class 2+ water

Winds > 20
knots
Water temp <
15 C

Single track
Rough trail
surface
Roots and
boulders on
trail
Low Risk
(Hiking)




High fitness
levels
Good group
dynamics
Warm
weather, no
rain in
forecast
Flat terrain