Item: Automated Avalanche Risk Rating of Backcountry Ski Routes
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Title: Automated Avalanche Risk Rating of Backcountry Ski Routes
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Günter Schmudlach [ Developer and operator of www.skitourenguru.ch (Automated forecasting of avalanche risk on 625 backcountry skiing routes in Switzerland), 8037 Zürich, Switzerland ]
- Jochen Köhler [ Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanche accidents are often due to the fact, that many backcountry trips take place at locations with high avalanche risk at the time. A new web platform (http://www.skitourenguru.ch), introduced 2015 in Switzerland, addresses this problem. The platform evaluates twice a day the avalanche risk on 625 popular backcountry routes in Switzerland. The resulting risk indicator is a decimal value in the range [0..3] and can be split into three basic risk categories: "low", "elevated" and "high risk". The risk indicators are calculated by combining terrain characteristics with up-to-date avalanche forecasting data. The algorithm is essentially based on the well-known Graphical Reduction Method (see Fig. 6). Terrain analysis embraces slope angle evaluation, ridge and forest detection. The avalanche forecasting data from the "Swiss Snow and Avalanche Research Institute" includes regional information about danger level, critical elevations and critical aspects. On the web platform backcountry skiers can select routes depending on distance from home, start altitude, difference in altitude, difficulty and risk category. The platform turned out to be very popular. The hit statistic shows, that most users select routes with "low risk". A poll evaluation proves, that the quality of the risk indicators is as high as a group of experienced backcountry skiers would rate the routes. Even though the web presentation of the content is challenging, the approach has the potential to direct the users to routes with low avalanche risk. Such redirection can make an important contribution to the avalanche accident prevention. In the present article the underlying risk assessment methodology is introduced in more detail. The accuracy of the corresponding risk indicator and its value for the personal risk based decision making of individual backcountry skiers is discussed.
Object ID: ISSW16_O19.04.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche Risk, Platform, Graphical Reduction Method, Risk rating
Page Number(s): 450-456
Subjects: avalanche risk rating systems Graphical Reduction Method
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