Item: DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL AVALANCHE FORECASTING SYSTEM FOR FINLAND USING IOT WEATHER STATION DATA AND SNOW MODELS
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Title: DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL AVALANCHE FORECASTING SYSTEM FOR FINLAND USING IOT WEATHER STATION DATA AND SNOW MODELS
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Tommi Laitervo [ Snowner Oy, Pyhätunturi, Finland ]
- Kaisa Landon [ Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), Rovaniemi, Finland ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: This project aims to advance avalanche forecasting in Finland towards closer alignment with European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS) standards. At present, forecast regions are large and observational data is sparse, reflecting the practical challenges of monitoring vast and remote fell areas. While avalanche terrain in Northern Finland is limited in scale and the risk to recreationists is generally low, improved forecasting would strengthen both safety communication and the scientific foundation underlying it. This pilot project develops a semi-automated avalanche forecasting system based on real-time IoT measurement data and snow modelling. In the project Snower IoT weather stations form an observation network across the fell areas of Northern Finland, and the continuous data they collect is integrated into the Finnish Meteorological Institute's snow models. Model outputs are combined with regular manual snow profiles conducted by avalanche technicians, enabling risk assessment at finer spatial and temporal resolution than is currently possible. The project progresses in four phases between 2026 and 2030, expanding from a pilot in the Pyhå–Luosto area to ultimately cover the entire fell region of Lapland. The long-term goal is an operational forecasting system that progressively moves towards EAWS standards, supported by a citizen science observation application for backcountry users. Scientific outputs will include peer-reviewed publications on snow model forecast accuracy and the optimal design of IoT observation networks in Arctic continental snowpack conditions.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.63.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099073
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Tommi Laitervo
Keywords: avalanche forecasting; IoT weather stations; snow modelling; SnowModel; SNOWPACK
Page Number(s): 2392 - 2397
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