Technology & Digital Tools Flashcards
7 cards from real ASC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Technology & Digital Tools flashcards as text
What does 'W-phase' refer to in the context of avalanche transceiver technology?
Answer: The waveform phase used to determine directional bearing
Modern transceivers analyze the phase of the received electromagnetic waveform to calculate the precise direction toward the buried victim.
Which type of satellite communicator can send an SOS signal even without a cell or radio network?
Answer: Satellite messenger (e.g., Garmin inReach)
Satellite messengers like Garmin inReach use dedicated satellite networks to send SOS signals and messages from anywhere on Earth with sky visibility.
When interpreting snow stability data from a Snowpilot or similar app, what does a sudden change in hardness layer indicate?
Answer: A potential weak layer or slab interface that could propagate a crack
An abrupt hardness transition in a snow profile often marks a weak layer or the interface between a cohesive slab and unstable snow below, a primary avalanche concern.
What is the function of the 'flux line' concept displayed in some advanced avalanche transceiver search visualizations?
Answer: Shows the magnetic field lines radiating from a buried transceiver to guide the search path
Flux lines represent the electromagnetic field pattern of a transmitting transceiver; following them leads a searcher efficiently to the signal source.
In the context of avalanche apps, what is the significance of the 'travel advice' section of a forecast?
Answer: It provides actionable route-planning guidance based on the day's specific danger
The travel advice section translates the danger rating into specific terrain choices and behaviors appropriate for that day's conditions.
Which weather data parameter is MOST useful for assessing wind slab formation risk when reviewing backcountry forecasts?
Answer: Wind speed and direction at ridge elevation
Wind speed and direction at ridge level determines where snow is being scoured from and deposited, directly indicating where wind slabs are forming.
What is the purpose of a 'dead reckoning' mode in backcountry GPS navigation when satellite signal is lost?
Answer: It estimates current position using last known location, speed, and heading
Dead reckoning calculates an estimated current position by projecting forward from the last known fix using speed and compass heading data.