Item: Using Crowd-Sourced Data to Understand Usage Patterns of Backcountry Recreational Users
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Title: Using Crowd-Sourced Data to Understand Usage Patterns of Backcountry Recreational Users
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Ryan Buhler [ Avalanche Canada, Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
- James Floyer [ Avalanche Canada, Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network (MIN) is an online platform that allows users to share real-time information with the backcountry community and public avalanche forecasters. Users can submit weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations, as well as report avalanche incidents. MIN reports also contain fields for reporting terrain use and avoidance. These reports are geotagged and displayed on an interactive map on Avalanche Canada's website. During the 2015-16 winter season, 1309 reports were submitted to the MIN. These reports provide insight into spatial and temporal usage patterns of backcountry users. Terrain usage and avoidance data are evaluated against various other field conditions reported on the MIN. The usage and avoidance data are also compared with Avalanche Canada's daily avalanche danger ratings. By comparing these datasets, we can link public backcountry usage patterns to professional avalanche hazard assessments. Data shows users' terrain preference for mellow slopes and open trees, while commonly avoiding alpine slopes, convex slopes, and steep slopes. As avalanche danger increases, we see an increase in avoidance of alpine, convex, and steep slopes, and an increase in usage of mellow slopes and open trees. This research will lead to an improved understanding of how backcountry recreational users utilize terrain based on various field conditions and based on avalanche danger ratings in the public bulletins.
Object ID: ISSW16_P2.21.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Public forecasting, crowdsourcing, travel behavior, terrain use, avalanche danger index
Page Number(s): 797-804
Subjects: avalanche forecasting backcountry recreationists evolving public uses
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