International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Avalanche Research, Education and Forecasting in Svalbard, Norway – A Roadmap Provided by an Expert Workshop in Longyearbyen, April 2013

• • Title: Avalanche Research, Education and Forecasting in Svalbard, Norway – A Roadmap Provided by an Expert Workshop in Longyearbyen, April 2013

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013

    Authors:

    • Markus Eckerstorfer  [ Northern Research Institute, Tromsø, Norway ]
    • Jordy Hendrikx  [ Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
    • Hanne H. Christiansen  [ University Centre in Svalbard, UNIS, Longyearbyen, Norway ]

    Date: 2013-10-07

    Abstract: The mountainous landscape around Svalbard’s main settlement Longyearbyen is snow covered for 8-10 months per year. Infrastructure is built in avalanche prone terrain, and an increasing number of inhabitants and tourists use the high relief landscape for winter recreation. This has led to an increase in both fatal and non-fatal avalanche accidents in the past 15 years, demanding improved focus on avalanche science, education, and forecasting. In response to this, we organized an international expert workshop in Longyearbyen, in April 2013 with 14 invited avalanche researchers and professionals from around the World. The goal was to review past and current avalanche research, education, and forecasting efforts in Svalbard, and based on these to provide recommendations and a roadmap for future efforts. In this paper, we present future key directions and priorities in the areas of research, education and forecasting. Our future research topics are location unique, but the results of which have worldwide implications. We also discuss the creation of a graduate level snow and avalanche course at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), answering the demand for well-trained snow and avalanche professionals and scientists. Finally we discuss the implication of a regional avalanche forecasting service, which could be integrated into the Norwegian system.

    Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P5-28.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Unknown

    Keywords: avalanche research, avalanche education, avalanche forecasting, svalbard, norway

    Page Number(s): 562-566

    Subjects: avalanche education avalanche forecasting avalanche workshops

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