Item: Method for an Automatized Avalanche Terrain Classification
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Title: Method for an Automatized Avalanche Terrain Classification
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Günter Schmudlach [ Developer and Operator of www.skitourenguru.ch, Zürich, Switzerland ]
- Jochen Köhler [ Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanche terrain classification according to ATES (Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale) has become a popular method to represent and disseminate avalanche relevant information. In the present paper a reproducible method for an automatized avalanche terrain classification is introduced. Even though the presented method expresses the avalanche exposure by the ATES scale, the underlying paradigm differs substantially from the one originally introduced by "Parks Canada". As skiers trigger 90% of the fatal avalanches themselves, the suggested approach explores the terrain from the skiers' perspective. The algorithm applies for each point in the terrain the following procedure: 1. Pre-processing of the Digital Elevation Model and Land Cover data. 2. Segmentation of a polygon describing the area relevant for the avalanche exposure at the current point. 3. Deduction of geomorphologic properties on the relevant slope area, representative for the hazard at the current point. 4. Calculation of a continuous ATES rating [0..100%] from the geomorphologic properties. The procedure is repeated for each cell of a specified raster in order to create an ATES rated hazard map (see Fig. 5). The suggested approach emulates knowledge of "avalanche experts" planning a backcountry route and identifying avalanche hazard cruxes on the map.
Object ID: ISSW16_P2.04.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: ATES, Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale, Avaluator
Page Number(s): 729-736
Subjects: avaluator avalanche classification avalanche terrain exposure scale (ates)
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