Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You cause a controlled avalanche.
Despite your instinct that the avalanche is going to happen during the night hours, you know that snow can be unpredictable and that the warmer temperatures make it even more so. So you decide to create the controlled avalanche.
A controlled avalanche is a situation in which you detonate a charge in the side of the slope to cause the snow to shift. Nature would ordinarily do this eventually. But by doing it yourself, you can ensure that no one is hurt.
You issue an avalanche warning, scout the area and close it off. Then you figure the charge required to cause the avalanche. It doesn't have to be a large charge, but it does have to be enough to make the snow move with enough force to cause a release all the way down the slope.
As you watch, the avalanche takes place. Once the snow has settled, you test the area where the avalanche occurred. In your opinion, it's now safe for skiers and hikers. You open the area back up. Although you don't see anyone for the remainder of the day, you're more relaxed knowing that the slopes are safe.
"Difficult sums up the avalanche hazard advisory business," says avalanche technician Dough Abromeit. "There are so many areas of gray. During the winter, it is basically shades of gray, so we always try to err on the side of caution. This is probably the most difficult part of being in charge of issuing advisories."