Item: Avalanche Forecasting in the Central Asian Countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan
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Title: Avalanche Forecasting in the Central Asian Countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Doug Chabot [ Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, Bozeman, MT, USA ]
- Aysha Kaba [ Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Toronto, ON, Canada ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Home of the Karakorum, Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains, Central Asia has a serious avalanche hazard. A single 2012 avalanche cycle resulted in over 100 fatalities. In response to this tragedy, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network) developed a strategy to reduce fatalities in these remote areas. First, they conducted a hazard, risk, and vulnerability inventory in FOCUS' area of operation in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, revealing 571 villages with a high avalanche risk. They followed this up by training their field staff, publishing an avalanche manual (2014), and equipping and offering annual training to local Snow and Avalanche Rescue Teams. For the 2015-16 season, FOCUS established 82 manual Weather Monitoring Posts to aid in avalanche forecasting for the highest-risk villages. Observers record daily weather and avalanche activity and post this information centrally online so a US-based forecaster can advise field units about current avalanche potential. This system allows FOCUS to determine when avalanche danger is rising, when a village should be evacuated, and when people can return to their village. Since the program has been implemented, villages have been evacuated hours before getting hit by massive avalanches, thereby saving lives. The people in these remote villages have experiences that are almost unimaginable to westerners, such as being blown to safety across rivers by the air blast of an approaching avalanche or knowing that herds of goats walking in starting zones early season (much like boot packing) is a good thing. This entire community-based program relies on simple, low cost solutions: manual weather stations, rules of thumb and basic avalanche awareness training at the local level.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: FOCUS, avalanches, community training, weather monitoring, education
Page Number(s): 480-483
Subjects: avalanche education FOCUS weather forecasts
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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