Item: National Avalanche Warning Service for Norway – Established 2013
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Title: National Avalanche Warning Service for Norway – Established 2013
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Rune Verpe Engeset [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate. ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: Norway established a national public avalanche danger warning service on 14 January 2013 based on international standards - a milestone in the Government’s public safety efforts. Three years of R&D was required, which included development of a landslide warning service. Avalanches claimed 37 lives in Norway last four winters, mostly in the backcountry. The use of avalanche terrain is increasing, which leads to more accidents. Avalanches also cause significant problems to transport and settlements. The Government established the service in response to these challenges. It was developed by Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) in collaboration with Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET), Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norwegian National Rail Administration (JBV) and Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI). Other stakeholders and avalanche services provided valuable advice, especially SLF, CEN, Parks Canada, CAC and LWZBayern. The service follows European standards and is part of EAWS. Avalanche bulletins were published for 24 regions on www.varsom.no four days a week the first season. Danger levels 4 and 5 are published by 13H to provide early information to emergency authorities, while the rest by 17H based on updated observations throughout the day to the general public. An observer corps and a forecaster group were established and trained. Information and modelling technology was developed (www.regobs.no, www.xgeo.no and www.varsom.no). Main user groups are from transport sector, skiers, snowmobilers, local authorities, police and rescue. Most of the bulletin is in English, as well as Norwegian, to help visitors from abroad.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P1-19.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche, warning, forecasting, public safety
Page Number(s): 301-310
Subjects: avalanche forecasting avalanche warning avalanche safety
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