Item: Incorporating Terrain into Public Avalanche Information Products
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Title: Incorporating Terrain into Public Avalanche Information Products
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Karl Klassen [ Canadian Avalanche Centre, Revelstoke, British Columbia ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Public avalanche information has traditionally focussed on avalanche forecasts that provide avalanche danger ratings and contain information about weather, snowpack, and avalanche conditions. Recent developments in Canada include the adoption of a standardized conceptual approach for avalanche hazard analysis; better integration of the information pyramid in public avalanche forecasts; and development of advanced software (AvalX) that fully integrates the hazard analysis process with avalanche forecast production. Improvements in traditional public avalanche forecasting have reached the point of diminishing returns and future efforts to improve public avalanche information and decisionmaking aids need to focus elsewhere. Making informed and educated choices about when and where to travel in mountainous areas requires linking avalanche hazard with terrain. To date, terrain components in public avalanche information products are limited. Tools that combine hazard and terrain have been developed but only rudimentary efforts have been made to utilize the power of computer, the internet, and mobile applications. This paper presents ideas for a better integration of terrain with hazard using online and mobile applications. The proposed approach will provide users with educational opportunities to help understand risk and practical tools to determine the potential risk of a given trip on a given day. This will result in more efficient trip planning and better informed terrain and route choices in the field.
Object ID: issw-2012-209-213.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: avalanche forecast, public safety, avalanche hazard, avalanche skills, snowpack conditions
Page Number(s): 209-213
Subjects: avalanche hazards evolving public uses backcountry activities
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