International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Graphical Representation of Ski Area Avalanche Control Results

• • Title: Graphical Representation of Ski Area Avalanche Control Results

    Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2004 International Snow Science Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

    Authors:

    • Dan Moroz  [ Copper Mountain Ski Patrol, Colorado USA ]
    • Ron Simenhois  [ Copper Mountain Ski Patrol, Colorado USA ]

    Date: 2004

    Abstract: Traditional methods of recording avalanche control methods and results have not advanced as fast as today’s technology at hand. Data recording has revolved around using Xerox copies of photographs of areas of concern, (or acetate overlays), and indicating methods and/or results using colored pencils or markers. Individual route forms would reflect weather history and recommendations. As the season progresses a thick, three-ring binder of pictures, snow pit studies, recommendations, and notes is developed. The history of an area will be well documented but this data would be difficult to view as one graphical representation of actions taken and results. The ability to view the ongoing season’s worth of data or one individual day’s data quickly has been difficult. This year the Copper Mountain Ski Patrol used commercially available, (and inexpensive $89.00 US) computer software to graphically record the above data. This program, ADOBE PHOTO ELEMENTS, has the ability to use different colors, fonts, line drawing, area color fill in, text, and most importantly; layering of a day’s data over a high resolution photograph. This enables the snow worker to view one day, a series of days or the whole season worth of data as an overlay. As the adage states: “one picture is worth a thousand words”. This system is very efficient to “see” areas where too much effort has been used, not enough effort, or specific problematic areas of repeater activity. Detailed route atlases can also be generated with this program In conjunction with the above, a database using Microsoft Access records avalanche control methods; manpower, explosives used, and results are used. Digital pictures, and/or movies of activity, snow pit studies, and weather data from Campbell units can be accessed as well. Summaries of manpower, explosives used, and slide activity are easily obtainable. This can help the snow worker better understand and negotiate the season’s problems and be stored for future use by successors to the program.

    Language of Article: English

    Presenters: Unknown

    Keywords: adobe, control methods, technology, data recording

    Page Number(s): 675-680

    Subjects: avalanche control technology computer models

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