Item: WHO SKIS WHERE, WHEN? – QUANTIFYING THE BACKCOUNTRY SKIER POPULATION IN TROMSø, NORWAY
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Title: WHO SKIS WHERE, WHEN? – QUANTIFYING THE BACKCOUNTRY SKIER POPULATION IN TROMSø, NORWAY
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Håvard B. Toft [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate ] [ Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway ]
- Aron Widforss [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
- Markus Landrø [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ] [ Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway ]
- Audun Hetland [ Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: It is generally accepted that backcountry skiing is becoming increasingly popular, even though there are no effective ways to count exactly how many backcountry skiers are out there. Without this information, making well-reasoned decisions based on avalanche fatality statistics is challenging. In this study, we have tested three different methodologies from 2019-2024 to enumerate the backcountry population in the Tromsø region, Norway (2600 km2). First, we attempted to use signaling data from telecom networks. This method leverages the fact that most modern phones continuously share data with the telecom network, creating signaling data that contains information about which coverage area the phone is connected to. Despite the common belief, there is no accurate triangulation, making it impossible to know whether a phone is moving or stationary within the coverage area. However, tracking the phone’s movement through different coverage areas is possible. We utilized this method by tracking the number of phones traveling from residential areas to avalanche-prone terrain for the 2019-2020 winter season. Secondly, we developed a large network of beacon checkers—small, waterproof devices that detect and count signals from avalanche transceivers. The beacon checkers were placed out at the most used trailheads around Tromsø (from 2021-2024) together with a large sign, battery, solar panel, and a data logger that transmits the number of counts every three hours to a database using IoT/LTE technology. The counts were validated using a time-lapse camera, taking images every 30 seconds during a two-month period. Finally, we made a cheap, small, battery-powered device that constantly searches for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals, as most backcountry skiers are likely to wear at least one BLE unit (e.g. phone, watch, wireless headset etc.) A proof-of-concept device was tested with promising results during the 2022-2023 season, followed by a full-scale test of 30 units during the 2023-2024 season. Our study not only demonstrates the use of different methodologies but also advances the understanding of the backcountry skiing population in Tromsø. By quantifying a large proportion of the overall population, we provide accurate and valuable data that can inform future decisions and policies.
Object ID: ISSW2024_O11.10.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Håvard B. Toft
Keywords: counting people, signaling data, beacon checkers, bluetooth low energy, monitoring system
Page Number(s): 1496 - 1502
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