Item: The Role of Avalanche Character in Public Avalanche Safety Products
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Title: The Role of Avalanche Character in Public Avalanche Safety Products
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Karl Klassen [ Canadian Avalanche Centre, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada ]
- Pascal Haegeli [ Avisualanche Consulting & Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ]
- Grant Statham [ Parks Canada, Banff, Alberta, Canada ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: Avalanche character is a significant factor in professional decision-making (Atkins, 2004). Weak layer/interface, slab properties, persistence, weak layer location, propagation propensity, and relative size (Statham et al., 2010) play an important role in how risk management decisions, such as terrain selection and timing, are implemented in the field. In recent years, avalanche character has become an essential component of Canadian public avalanche forecasts, along with its inclusion in standardized recreational avalanche training curricula, and in decision making tools such as the Avaluator V2.0 (Haegeli, 2010) and the Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain Fieldbook (Haegeli, Atkins & Klassen, 2010a). This paper reviews the current avalanche character definitions and suggests improvements and refinements. Current usage is reviewed and potential new applications are explored. Recommendations are provided for public avalanche safety agencies that do not currently use avalanche character but who are considering incorporating avalanche character into their products or services.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_O5-13.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: wet slab, slab, cornice
Page Number(s): 493-499
Subjects: slab avalanche avalanche safety decision making
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