ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Interpret information from a weather map.

1.1. Identify characteristics of map types and their different uses.

1.2. Identify differences between general and alpine forecasts.

1.3. Identify weather map symbols and associated weather conditions.

1.4. Outline and justify a weather prediction over a multi-day period for a specific alpine region using information gained from weather maps and forecasts.

2. Collect, record and interpret weather conditions in an alpine region.

2.1. Identify major cloud types and altitude level.

2.2. Collect weather and environmental information at regular intervals for a specific area over a multi-day period.

2.3. Record weather data and identify patterns.

2.4. Compare and identify the differences between current weather conditions and a current weather forecast.

2.5. Determine the possible effects of landforms on alpine weather conditions.

2.6. Identify and explain seasonal variations in weather patterns for a specific alpine area.

2.7. Determine differences between large scale and localised weather conditions for a specific alpine area.

3. Interpret weather and environmental information for alpine activities at an alpine venue.

3.1. Determine the suitability and limitations of the activity in relation to current local weather conditions and weather forecast.

3.2. Identify strategies to ensure the safety and well being of individuals and or group in weather conditions according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

3.3. Identify weather conditions commonly associated with the onset of life threatening weather hazards.

3.4. Identify characteristics of life threatening alpine weather hazards and their possible impact on recreational alpine activities.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

collect weather and environmental information at regular intervals

record and interpret weather and environmental information

justify suitability and safety of an activity area

problem-solving skills to:

determine the impact of meteorological data on planned activities

predict and anticipate weather for a specific alpine environment

compare the differences between various weather attributes

literacy and numeracy skills to:

interpret and analyse weather and environmental information

record weather data patterns.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of weather interpretation activities

map types and symbols to predict weather for a specific alpine region

differences between general and alpine forecasts to anticipate additional hazards and risks

methods of predicting and forecasting weather to determine its impact on recreational alpine activities

influence of cloud types, local air masses, seasons, topography and landforms on the weather and the implications of these on alpine activities

methods of recording weather data to identify patterns and apply this information to plan safe alpine activities

life threatening alpine weather hazards and their possible impact on recreational alpine activities

factors affecting global, regional and local climatic conditions and the impact of these on alpine activities.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

makes weather predictions for an alpine area using weather maps and forecasts, and identifies the difference between general and alpine forecasts

assesses the short and long term implications of meteorological data on a specific alpine activity.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure interpretation of weather signs and conditions for mountain environments relevant to the candidate's current or intended work environment, on multiple occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

meteorological data to read and interpret

an alpine activity environment in which to conduct weather interpretation activities.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the impact of meteorological data on planned activities

observation of interpreting weather for a specific alpine environment using information gained from weather maps, predictions and forecasts

portfolio of weather predictions covering five day periods

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

Activity-specific units relevant to participation in outdoor recreation alpine activities such as bushwalking and skiing.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Map types may include:

prognosis maps

analysis maps.

Symbols may include:

cyclones

anti-cyclones

depressions

highs

troughs

ridges

frontal bands

isobars.

Conditions may include:

cloud cover

wind direction, speed and strength

barometric pressure

precipitation type and intensity

sunshine trends and duration

temperature range and intensity

humidity trends.

Cloud types may include:

cirrus

stratus

cumulus

nimbus.

Weather and environmentalinformation may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Data may include:

cloud cover

wind direction and speed

barometric pressure

precipitation type and intensity.

Landforms may include:

alpine ranges

large bodies of water

valleys.

Weather patterns may include:

wind direction and speed

precipitation form and distribution

sunshine trends and duration

temperature range and intensity

humidity trends

anticyclones and depressions.

Limitations may include:

duration and intensity of activity

exposure to prevailing conditions

elevation

ability of individual and or group

technical difficulty of activity.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations

marine regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

safety and emergency procedures

risk management

minimal impact environmental codes

code of ethics.

Life threatening weather hazards may include:

floods

cyclones

snow storms

electrical storms

limited visibility

hail

thunderstorms.

Alpine activities may include:

bushwalking

alpine trekking

resort skiing

ski touring

cross country skiing

alpineeering

snow caving.