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Item: Integrating the ATES into the Avalanche Information in Aran Valley (Central Pyrenees)

    • Title: Integrating the ATES into the Avalanche Information in Aran Valley (Central Pyrenees)

      Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013

      Authors:

      • Jordi Gavaldà  [ Centre de Lauegi. Conselh Generau d’Aran. Spain ]
      • Ivan Moner  [ Centre de Lauegi. Conselh Generau d’Aran. Spain ]
      • Montse Bacardit  [ Centre de Lauegi. Conselh Generau d’Aran. Spain ]

      Date: 2013-10-07

      Abstract: During the 2011-12 winter season, the Aran Avalanche Center established an Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) pilot area in Aran Valley. The ATES was developed by Parks Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Center in order to provide users with information on the terrain. Having tested the method and its acceptance by potential users, last season 33.000 ha were mapped, corresponding to the areas more heavily used in winter. The maps were made available to the users via web (www.lauegi.conselharan.org, kmz format) and by means of panels in the main trail heads. In addition, an analysis of the accidents occurred in Aran Valley and in the Aigüestortes National Park (southern side of the range) during the last 25 years was performed. It was found that the majority of the accidents occur in Complex (55%) or Challenging (26%) terrain when the danger is Considerable (3). During the 2012-13 season, the ATES was included in the daily Avalanche Report through AvaluatorTM. The implementation of the ATES and the use of AvaluatorTM in the Avalanche Reports have resulted in a better information about terrain, a better integration of terrain in decision making and, moreover, in a better danger rating. The good results obtained will encourage the spreading of the method to other areas of the Pyrenees.

      Language of Article: English

      Presenters: Unknown

      Keywords: ates, avalanche terrain, trip planner, aran valley, pyrenees

      Page Number(s): 381-384

      Subjects: avalanche terrain avalanche accidents decision making

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