18128 version 2
16-Apr-20
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AVALANCHE
Contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme level: credit:
3
5 planned review date: sub-field:
June 2009
Snowsport replacement information: This unit standard and unit standard 18127 replaced unit standard 4560. purpose: People credited with this unit standard are able to contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme. entry information: Prerequisites: Unit 18127, Record and communicate avalanche and weather observations; and Unit 18129,
Demonstrate knowledge of snow formation, snowpack structure, and snow metamorphism; or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills. accreditation option: moderation option:
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
A centrally established and directed national moderation system has been set up by Sport, Fitness and Recreation
Industry Training Organisation. special notes: 1 People undertaking assessment against this unit standard should be working under direct supervision, and are contributing to an overall stability assessment.
Full responsibility for the final stability assessment lies with the snow safety officer or supervisor.
2 It is recommended that people undertaking this unit standard have already attained or are working towards
Unit 20161, Analyse weather information and predict weather conditions for the outdoors.
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New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2020

18128 version 2
16-Apr-20
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AVALANCHE
Contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme
3 People undertaking assessment against this unit standard must be able to move around a mountain environment, meet the clothing and equipment requirements for the mountains, and have a basic knowledge of snow formation, snow mechanics, snow metamorphism, snow stability assessment, and hazard evaluation.
4 Industry guidelines for recording snow and weather information are contained in the New Zealand
Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather,
Snowpack and Avalanche Observations, (Wellington:
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council, 2003).
5 There are minimum assessor requirements for assessment against this unit standard. The details of these requirements are available on the Sfrito website http://www.sfrito.org.nz/.
Elements and Performance Criteria element 1
Contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme. performance criteria
1.1
1.2
The process of making avalanche stability assessments is described.
Test snow profiles, full snow profiles, and snow tests, are completed consistently and accurately using techniques documented in the industry guidelines.
Range: site selection, probing, air temperature, surface temperature, snow temperatures, layer boundaries, resistances of layers, grain form and size, moisture content, density of snow, appropriate type and number of strength and sheer tests, stability tests.
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New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2020

18128 version 2
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AVALANCHE
Contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme
1.3 The snow profile and test information is recorded and correlated to the study plot(s), field observations, and/or weather station(s).
1.4
1.5
Rounds, facets and wet grains are identified in the field.
The effect of weather on the snowpack is monitored in terms of snow stability, information recorded, and communicated to supervisor, instructor, and/or snow safety officer.
Range: monitored by using study plot(s) and/or weather station(s), test and full profiles, field observation.
1.6 Weather and snowpack data and avalanche occurrence information is recorded, analysed, and communicated to supervisor, instructor, and/or snow safety officer.
1.7 A personal assessment of snow stability is made, documented, justified, and assessment communicated to supervisor or snow safety officer.
Range: evidence of a minimum of two assessments is required.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Industry Training Organisation info@sfrito.org.nz if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Please Note
Providers must be accredited by the Qualifications Authority or a delegated interinstitutional body before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by the Qualifications Authority before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
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New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2020

18128 version 2
16-Apr-20
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AVALANCHE
Contribute to the avalanche stability assessment for a snow safety programme
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for providers wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
This unit standard is covered by AMAP 0050 which can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/site/framework/search.html.
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New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2020