Disasters At Tunnel Creek Case Study

Cause of the deaths at Tunnel Creek. Management:
While it is true that there are many disasters where an “act of nature” occurs but, we believe most of accidents can be caused by human error. Same as “Avalanche at Tunnel Creek”. In perspective of “blinders’ decision”, they failed to see/seek/use information. It was obvious the group at Tunnel Creek were well-trained and knowledgeable skiers but they didn’t prepare equipment that was necessary and wasn’t trained on how to get down safely beforehand. The group talked about how to manage the run instead. Also, skiing in Tunnel Creek was a common occurrence that most experienced skiers had strong belief in their expert and underestimated the risk involved. Experts often do not seek for help or support of a team or group because they believe they are skilled enough to pursue the goal themselves. Even if they were informed about the unstable avalanche status, they chose to go anyway since they were over-confident from their past experience. They ignored the uncertainty and based their decisions on emotions. We think that core causes are based on risk of group decision-making/thinking: Presumption that experts can play in
They underestimated how difficult it is to lead a large group, especially in wilderness. They weren’t exactly acting like a leader, but just a friendly people who invited another to ski with. They knew of the risk but also knew low probability of avalanche solely based on their experience. They were blinded to realize that low probability can catch their feet. Also, Erin Dessert could be another person with blinders decision. She refused to follow and everything in her mind was going off, wanting to tell them to stop. Also, Erin Dessert could be another person with blinders decision. She refused to follow and everything in her mind was going off, wanting to tell them to