Item: Storm Statistics and Heli-ski Use in the Chugach and Kenai Mountains, Alaska
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Title: Storm Statistics and Heli-ski Use in the Chugach and Kenai Mountains, Alaska
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Hannah W. Brewster [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK, USA ]
- Eeva Latosuo [ Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, AK ]
- Henry Munter [ Chugach Powder Guides, Girdwood, AK ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Heli-skiing operations face a unique challenge in avalanche hazard forecasting in that the areas in which they operate are very large and infrequently visited by other users. Meteorological data is an important factor for heli-skiing operations in assessing the avalanche risk in the area they plan to ski. It is common to keep track of meteorological variables that will affect the snowpack stability throughout the season, but long-term statistical analysis of these factors is rarely used. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between precipitation variables, or storm statistics, and heli-skiing use in different areas. Using snow water equivalent values from three SNOTEL sites, yearly storm statistics were calculated and correlated with frequency of use in different areas by Chugach Powder Guides in the Chugach and Kenai mountains in south-central Alaska. Although few statistically significant results were found, suggestions for refined future research are proposed. These techniques can be used by heli-skiing operations to assess their use of different areas based on seasonal storm statistics.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P1.02.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Helicopter skiing, Alaska, storm cycle, snow climate, historical snow records
Page Number(s): 433-439
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