Item: Report From the First Operational Winter of the Norwegian Avalanche Centre
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Title: Report From the First Operational Winter of the Norwegian Avalanche Centre
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Karsten Müller [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, 1Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Middelthunsgate 29, 0301 Oslo, Norway ]
- Solveig Kosberg [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Middelthunsgate 29, 0301 Oslo, Norway ]
- Markus Landrø [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Middelthunsgate 29, 0301 Oslo, Norway ]
- Rune V. Engeset [ Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Middelthunsgate 29, 0301 Oslo, Norway ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: The Norwegian Avalanche Centre had its first operational season from mid-January until the end of May 2013. We report on the experiences from the first operational winter. The Norwegian Avalanche Center assesses the avalanche danger based on the European Avalanche Danger Scale for 24 regions on mainland Norway. In addition we assess the meteorological conditions for all of Norway and issue a warning if the danger level exceeds 3-considerable outside the predefined forecasting regions. Avalanche bulletins were issued four times a week for each region and published on www.varsom.no. Most of the regions are situated in a maritime climate along the west coast of Norway, while a handful is situated in a more continental climate. A network of professional field observers provides a local danger assessment 2-3 times a week for each region. In general we have sparse data for vast regions. In addition the forecast is issued for the next 48h making it very dependent on the regional weather forecast and uncertainties in there. Despite some challenges the first season was rated a success by users and operators. User surveys and two workshops at the end of the season gave valuable input for further development. Daily updated bulletins will be issued from next season and more regions will be included within the coming two years.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P1-20.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche forecasting service, avalanche bulletin, norway, winter conditions, varsom. no
Page Number(s): 311-315
Subjects: avalanche forecasting avalanche bulletin norway
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