Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:56 AM AWST

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Interpret weather for mountain environments

Interpret weather for mountain environments

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOOPS509A
State Code
D6435
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to collect information from a weather map, make forecasts, and record and interpret weather conditions in a specific alpine region in order to apply this to the conduct of alpine activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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.
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.
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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBF12 SISOPLN005 Interpret weather and environmental conditions for outdoor recreation activities Unit of competency