Item: A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK TO ASSESS AVALANCHE BULLETIN UNDERSTANDING AND TERRAIN SELECTION: A PROOF OF CONCEPT IN ANDORRA
-
-
Title: A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK TO ASSESS AVALANCHE BULLETIN UNDERSTANDING AND TERRAIN SELECTION: A PROOF OF CONCEPT IN ANDORRA
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Aguirre-Noguera, B [ National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain ]
- Farías-Torbidoni, El [ National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain ]
- Revuelto, J [ Pyreanean Institute of Ecology (IPE-CSIC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain ]
- Llena, M [ Fluvial Dynamics Research Group (RIUS), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain ]
- Margalef, A [ Andorra Research + Innovation, Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra ]
- Pons, M [ Coldwater Laboratory, Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan, Canmore, Alberta, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Understanding how backcountry users interpret and act upon avalanche hazard information and terrain remains a central challenge in avalanche hazard management. This study presents an integrated methodological framework linking avalanche hazard communication, users' hazard perception, and terrain selection under real-world conditions, providing insights into how users combine these sources of information when managing avalanche risk. The primary objective is to assess whether users' terrain choices are consistent with the spatial distribution of avalanche hazard described in the Avalanche Bulletin, and to what extent terrain selection is used as a risk mitigation strategy. The approach combines structured surveys, drone-based remote sensing, GNNS tracking, geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis to bridge the gap between stated and observed behaviour. Data collection was conducted in the western Pyrenees (Andorra) and comprised two complementary components. Structured surveys captured user characteristics, avalanche education and experience, use and understanding of the Avalanche Bulletin, information used for itinerary planning, perceived avalanche hazard distribution, and planned route choices. Drone imagery and GNNS tracking were used to characterize observed movement patterns and terrain use under different avalanche danger conditions. These datasets were analyzed in relation to daily Avalanche Bulletin information and Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) classifications. The complete field dataset enabled the evaluation of relationships between Avalanche Bulletin information, drone-derived observations, and ATES terrain classification, as well as between Avalanche Bulletin information and survey responses. However, fully integrating survey, drone, and Avalanche Bulletin data remains methodologically challenging. Drone observations are subject to temporal uncertainty because operational and weather constraints prevented daily flights. During periods of meteorological stability, observed tracks may therefore represent activity accumulated over several days rather than conditions corresponding exclusively to the flight date. The results provide a basis for refining the methodology, with future work focusing on improving the temporal alignment between the three data sources and quantifying and reducing uncertainty associated with drone-derived observations. This will support a more robust assessment of the relationships between communicated hazard, perceived risk, and observed decision-making, contributing to human-centred approaches to avalanche safety and improved understanding of how Avalanche Bulletins inform risk management decisions.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P4.5.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099385
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Berta Aguirre Noguera
Keywords: Avalanche hazard communication; Decision-making; Risk perception; Avalanche safety. Drone, SIG,
Page Number(s): 329 - 336
-