Item: TOWARDS IMPROVED CONSISTENCY IN ASSIGNING AVALANCHE PROBLEMS AMONGST FORECASTERS IN NORWAY
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Title: TOWARDS IMPROVED CONSISTENCY IN ASSIGNING AVALANCHE PROBLEMS AMONGST FORECASTERS IN NORWAY
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Markus Eckerstorfer [ Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) ] [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
- Markus Landrø [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
- Gustav Pless [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
- Jostein Aasen [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
- Karsten Müller [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
- Solveig Kosberg [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: Avalanche problems describe the cause and development of typical avalanche hazard situations and offer appropriate terrain management advice. Avalanche problems purposely simplify complex avalanche conditions to improve communication with public avalanche bulletin users. From a forecaster's perspective, avalanche problems must be based on the physical processes involved in the formation of slab layers, weak layers, and surface snow conditions. To date, the EAWS avalanche problems do not allow for consistent use of avalanche problems, which also impedes consistent communication. We have thus started a process of revising weak layer types that form the bases of choosing an EAWS avalanche problem. To that end, we have designed an avalanche problem decision tree with 16 starting points concerning weak layer and surface snow formation. Besides the starting points, the decision tree contains 2 more decision points, being the weak layer’s position in the snowpack and slab formation. As a result, 31 slab / weak layer combinations were mapped out and aggregated into 14 weak layer types that are categorized into 7 avalanche types. For each weak layer type, which also include loose snow, glide and cornice fall avalanches, we attached characteristic properties such as typical stability classes, typical avalanche sizes, manageability, and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide our forecasters with a standardized way
Object ID: ISSW2024_P1.3.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Markus Eckerstorfer
Keywords: Avalanche problem standardization, consistency, avalanche bulletin communication, Norway
Page Number(s): 88 - 92
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