Item: Evaluating approaches to assess avalanche hazards from the user point of view
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Title: Evaluating approaches to assess avalanche hazards from the user point of view
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Korbinian Schmidtner [ Department of Geography, University of Innsbruck, Austria ]
- Rudolf Sailer [ Department of Geography, University of Innsbruck, Austria ]
- Perry Bartelt [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
- Wolfgang Fellin [ Division of Geotechnical and Tunnel Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Austria ]
- Jan-Thomas Fischer [ Austrian Research Center for Forest (BFW), Innsbruck, Austria ]
- Matthias Granig [ Austrian Avalanche and Torrent Control (WLV), Innsbruck, Austria ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Avalanche simulations are a common tool for hazard assessments with a variety of approaches to choose from the user point of view. Each of them is characterized by uncertainties, weaknesses and strengths, which arise with the determination of input parameters and material parameters. Regarding these issues, questions arise on the assets and drawbacks, on potential improvements and how avalanche tools are used in practice. To shed light on these questions, a survey among avalanche experts (e.g. researchers, practitioners, engineers) from various countries has been conducted. One of the key findings from that survey was associated with the approval of reliability of simulation results. It could be shown that the reliability attributed to the simulation results does not primarily depend on the certainty of the model assumptions and input parameters but rather on the expertise of the user and the availability of additional information (e.g. Chronicles, documentation of events, field observations). Another interesting insight could be found when it comes to the application of simulation results to a hazard assessment. It seems that simulation results play a secondary role and the expert’s recommendations are more oriented on national regulation guidelines. Based on these findings a subsequent survey was set up. The focus of that second survey shall be given on the types of different approaches used for a hazard assessment and how they are applied in practice.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: Expert interview, hazard management, modeling, simulation, snow avalanche.
Page Number(s): 805-809
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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