Item: The Backcountry Avalanche Advisory: Design and Implementation of a New Public Avalanche Warning System in Canada
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Title: The Backcountry Avalanche Advisory: Design and Implementation of a New Public Avalanche Warning System in Canada
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors:
- Grant Statham [ Parks Canada Agency (P CA), Banff, Alberta ]
- Alan Jones [ Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC), Revelstoke, British Columbia ]
Date: 2006
Abstract: Public avalanche forecasters continually search for ways of communicating sophisticated information in a comprehensible format. To accommodate this need among audiences with varying knowledge, Parks Canada (PC) and the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) redesigned the Canadian public avalanche warning system. This system uses a layered approach to risk communication by providing different products aimed at specific audiences. This paper focuses on the development and implementation of Layer 1: the Backcountry Avalanche Advisory (BAA). The goal of this system is to embed avalanche awareness into the public mainstream, offering avalanche information to everyone regardless of their experience. The BAA is a four-level scale for communicating avalanche conditions using graphic icons and simple sentences. This system was designed to incorporate internationally recognized symbols and colors, together with concise and unchanging text messages that are easily understood. Product development included consultation with a broad range of industry experts, followed by extensive public focus group testing. This system was launched in January 2005 and made available to the public and media for all PC and CAC bulletin regions. Distribution is through a dedicated media portal where approved media outlets are given free, password access to an array of weather and warning products. Currently, BAA warnings are broadcast daily during the winter through radio, television and newspaper outlets in British Columbia and Alberta. All reporting regions in Western Canada produced a daily BAA during winter 2006. Widespread broadcast of avalanche information will have an important long-term effect on public understanding of avalanches. Frequent exposure through newspaper, radio and television will take avalanche awareness to a cultural level. Canadians will be well served through having avalanche information discussed in the public mainstream.
Object ID: issw-2006-724-731.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche forecasting, risk communication, media, avalanche education
Page Number(s): 724-731
Subjects: avalanche forecasting risk management avalanche education
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