International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Evolution of Public Avalanche Information: The North American Experience with Avalanche Danger Rating Levels

• • Title: Evolution of Public Avalanche Information: The North American Experience with Avalanche Danger Rating Levels

    Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1996 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Canada

    Authors:

    • Alan Dennis  [ Canadian Avalanche Centre, P.O. Box 2759, Revelstoke, B.C. VOE 2S0 ]
    • Mark Moore  [ Canadian Avalanche Centre, P.O. Box 2759, Revelstoke, B.C. VOE 2S0 ]

    Date: 1996

    Abstract: For many years after the introduction of regional avalanche forecast centres in North America, the United States and Canada employed a 4-level avalanche hazard rating system for describing public avalanche danger, the basic components of which were developed in the late 1970's. In contrast, the European avalanche community utilized a variety of public avalanche danger levels from country to country in the 1970's and 80's. To help minimize confusion and allow for better understanding and more uniform dissemination of public avalanche information, a transition toward a "unified 5-level avalanche risk scale" was recently undertaken throughout much of western Europe. After much discussion, a 5-level risk/danger/hazard scale evolved in 1993. With some debate Canada adopted this 5-level rating system in 1994, and slightly revised some of the definitions in 1995. In order to accommodate this trend toward an "international unified rating level", the United States avalanche community discussed this potential transition at length during the past year, consulting with Canadian counterparts and hotly debating the merits as well as the definitions of the 5 danger levels. The history of this North American transition toward the 5-level scale, as well as the current accepted danger level definitions for Canada and the United States are presented.

    Language of Article: English

    Presenters: Unknown

    Keywords: avalanche, danger, scale, north american, safety, public

    Page Number(s): 60-66

    Subjects: avalanche danger avalanche hazard avalanche safety

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