Item: The Five Decisive Avalanche Problems
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Title: The Five Decisive Avalanche Problems
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Rudi Mair [ Avalanche Warning Service Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Making forecasts and compiling studies of hundreds of avalanches for 25 years have demonstrated one thing to us: Avalanches are no coincidence. They are caused by systemic constellations. A combination of snowpack layering plus weather conditions is what leads to avalanches. Permutations are not numerous, patterns repeat themselves. The Avalanche Warning Service of Tirol has defined them: "The 10 Decisive Danger Patterns". This systematic road map of avalanches has been debated worldwide, it is a theme at conferences of Avalanche Warning Services. It appears that the Five Big Avalanche Problems will become the international standard. The problems can be named: fresh-fallen snow, snowdrifts, wet snow, old snow, gliding snow. For each problem, a simple, instantly recognized icon has been designed. 'Avalanche Problems' and 'Avalanche Danger Patterns' have one thing in common: they point out intrinsic hazards, scenarios which are apparent to observers and which occur again and again. The difference lies in what the crosshairs focus on. Whereas Avalanche Problems deliver a wide-angle snapshot, pinpointing sources of risk, e.g. snowdrifts, Danger Patterns delve into the moving details, outline a rising cause, e.g. loosely-packed new fallen snow plus stormy winds. Danger Patterns do not name hazards or describe backgrounds, they point to the unfolding process leading to avalanches. 'Avalanche Problems' are currently being introduced into the bulletins, feedback is positive. Their use permits graphic depiction of the overriding hazard in the headline, immediately graspable: WHAT is the problem (max.2), WHERE does it occur (altitude, aspect), WHY does it occur (danger pattern)
Object ID: ISSW16_P4.25.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Danger Patterns, Snowdrifts, Gliding snow, Old snow, Fresh-fallen snow, Wet snow
Page Number(s): 1293-1297
Subjects: Snowdrifts Fresh-fallen snow Danger Patterns
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