Item: FOLLOWING THE DATA: LESSONS LEARNED FROM A DECADE OF MAPPING AVALANCHES AND EXPLOSIVE USE
-
-
Title: FOLLOWING THE DATA: LESSONS LEARNED FROM A DECADE OF MAPPING AVALANCHES AND EXPLOSIVE USE
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Taos Ski Patrol [ Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Taos Ski Valley Ski Patrol has been using GIS mapping software to record explosive use and avalanche activity since 2015. In over a decade, we have deployed more than 17,000 shots of various sizes, triggering more than 4,000 avalanches. This paper reflects on our experience with this method of avalanche documentation, outlines the lessons we learned, and discusses how our operation plans to move forward with GIS technology in the coming years. We hope that sharing this experience will help other practitioners who are collecting similar data. Recording accurate data requires active participation from the entire ski patrol. Consistency in rating and recording avalanches varies within our crew of almost 50 people, and this variability impacts our data quality. Essential data must be recorded while not overwhelming the patroller inputting observations. It is critical to identify which fields must be mandatory (eg. D-size, primary trigger) and ensure they are entered accurately. We began a preliminary investigation into the statistical relationship between explosives use and avalanche occurrences, with our 11 years of data. Analyzing the data helps us identify which techniques are working at our operation by removing our historical bias. For example, while only 27.5% of our explosive shots were airblasts (AB), over 50% of our large (D2 or larger) avalanches were triggered by airblasts. Although some of these differences may be due to varying shot sizes or differing conditions, research shows that airblasts are more effective than shots in the snow (Birkeland, 2026). Taos Ski Patrol has utilized airblasts effectively for decades. Incorporating an in-house review has further emphasized this science to our ski patrol. Another benefit of the preliminary examination of our data is that it allows us to look critically at the integrity and usefulness of the data we currently collect, which has led us to make changes to our current system and identify areas that still need improvement. The intention of this paper is to encourage questioning and discover new ways our GIS data can be used to help us improve, not to provide concrete answers.
Object ID: ISSW2026_O6.3.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098632
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Alex Mithoefer
Keywords: mapping, explosives, avalanches, ski resort, avalanche mitigation, GIS
Page Number(s): 630 - 637
-