Item: DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE SCALE AUTOMATED AVALANCHE TERRAIN EXPOSURE SCALE (ATES) RATINGS IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL AVALANCHE EXPERTS
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Title: DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE SCALE AUTOMATED AVALANCHE TERRAIN EXPOSURE SCALE (ATES) RATINGS IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL AVALANCHE EXPERTS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Charles D. von Avis [ onXmaps, Inc. Missoula, MT, USA ]
- John M. Sykes [ Simon Fraser University, Department of Geography, Burnaby, BC, Canada ] [ Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center, Girdwood, AK, USA ]
- Bryan Tutt [ onXmaps, Inc. Missoula, MT, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: The Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) is a terrain rating system developed in Canada to communicate risk due to snow avalanches to backcountry recreationists. While ATES is used widely in Canada for purposes of both recreation and industry, it has not been adopted in the United States, in part due to the large investment and manual effort required for avalanche professionals to create ATES maps at scale. However, recent developments in automated ATES models have opened up opportunities for large scale mapping using GIS and remote sensing methods. This paper describes the process we developed to localize the AutoATES model for different regions in the continental United States by engaging regional avalanche experts, and the subsequent improvements made to the AutoATES model to improve accuracy and practical applications for backcountry recreationalists and professionals. By implementing new methods for creating a forest density input layer and adjusting parameters of the Potential Release Area and Runout models based on local avalanche characteristics, we have extended the practical applications of AutoATES and taken meaningful steps towards generating ATES maps for large areas in the continental United States.
Object ID: ISSW2023_P2.57.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES), AutoATES, digital maps, forest density, localization
Page Number(s): 982 - 988
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