Item: A Novel Application of Weighted Risk Analytics in Assessing Snow Stability to Provide Conditional Route Optimization
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Title: A Novel Application of Weighted Risk Analytics in Assessing Snow Stability to Provide Conditional Route Optimization
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Zachary E. Buzaid [ Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: While an array of modern gear allows skiers to be better prepared in the event of an avalanche, there is a lack of adequate technology to aid in a skier's risk assessment of a particular surface so that a slide is never triggered. This algorithm quantifies the risk of an avalanche based on slope, wind, recent precipitation, sunlight, snow albedo, temperature trends and terrain traps. Using GIS techniques and optimization methods, this algorithm provides a visual representation of a feasible region (optimal route) in which the risk of an avalanche occurring is below a certain user-set threshold, while also displaying the entire risk map of the surface in an easily understandable format. This algorithm was tested in conjunction with the Mount Washington Avalanche Center's snow stability report on April 15, 2014 and yielded an almost identical risk rating for all subsections of Tuckerman Ravine. Through constant refining and collaboration, I aim to provide users with a tool that acts as a complement to existing avalanche evaluations in order to confirm projections and aid in a reduction of human-triggered slides.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P2.27.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Risk Management, Route Optimization, Snow Stability, Predictive Analytics
Page Number(s): 795-798
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