Item: Public Avalanche Forecast Challenges: Canada’s Large Data-Sparse Regions
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Title: Public Avalanche Forecast Challenges: Canada’s Large Data-Sparse Regions
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Ilya Storm [ Canadian Avalanche Centre, Revelstoke BC ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: The Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) provides regional avalanche forecasts to recreational backcountry users for large areas in western Canada. This programme is unusual in that historically, the CAC does not deploy field teams to make observations or collect data. Data sharing between professional avalanche safety operations, primarily using Canada’s InfoEx™ service, provides an engine that supports and powers the CAC’s long-standing forecast regions. Responding to increasing need and calls for improved services, the CAC’s expanding regional forecast network faces the challenge of providing new services in large, data sparse areas A discussion of commonalities and differences between South Rockies, Bighorn, North Rockies, and Klondike regions highlights some of the strategies used to build local avalanche safety capacity, including collaboration with sponsors and stakeholders to hire field teams. This is a marked departure from our past and some of this winter’s lessons, successes and ongoing challenges are discussed. Ideas for future development are outlined, including the development of observer networks, creating support tools to encourage their participation, and providing resources that promote self-sufficiency through leveraging existing decision-tools like the CAC’s Avaluator 2.0™ or Online Trip Planner.
Object ID: issw-2012-908-912.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: canadian avalanche centre, network systems, public safety
Page Number(s): 908-912
Subjects: avalanche safety program data collection canadian avalanche centre
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