Item: Optimizing GIS For Snow Safety Operations at Taos Ski Valley: Avalanche and Explosive Tracking and Digital Avalanche Atlas Apps
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Title: Optimizing GIS For Snow Safety Operations at Taos Ski Valley: Avalanche and Explosive Tracking and Digital Avalanche Atlas Apps
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Rachel L. Moscarella [ Taos Ski Valley, Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA ]
- Andy Bond [ Taos Ski Valley, Taos Ski Valley, NM, USA ]
- Wetherbee B. Dorshow [ Earth Analytic, Inc., Santa Fe, NM, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Given the tenet that ski patrollers are inherently reluctant to complete paperwork, we felt compelled to make the recording of explosive use and avalanche occurrences as quick and painless as possible, while improving accuracy. To that end, we have leveraged GIS to create a digital avalanche atlas that works in tandem with a user-friendly web based application. This enables patrollers to enter data using tablets, freehand drawing tools, and simple drop down menus to record explosive use and avalanche occurrences. Forecasters and patrollers can then track this up to date information in both graphical and tabular formats to visualize explosive placement and results throughout storm cycles. Knowing that GIS is increasingly prevalent in the industry, and given a lack of comprehensive information about our 300+ avalanche paths, we were led to the concept of using GIS and digital elevation models to complete an accurate and robust digital avalanche atlas. Time was spent preseason to map the avalanche paths using ArcGIS desktop software. Since the data entry records are in a centralized geodatabase, access to the information for a future analysis or inquiry will be straightforward. Using the time-slider tool, avalanche occurrences and explosives placements can be visualized as a dynamic time series that plays back the results from a specific day, storm event, or other interval. The patrol has embraced the new paradigm, which has fostered a more inquisitive and engaged snow safety culture. Currently under development are web app tools and interfaces for (1) logging, viewing and analyzing snow pit profiles (2) terrestrial lidar snow depth analysis, optimizing and visualizing Gazex Exploder placements, and weather data integration and analysis.
Object ID: ISSW16_P2.34.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: GIS, Risk Management, Avalanche Mapping
Page Number(s): 856-859
Subjects: avalanche mapping avalanche risk management geographic information system (gis)
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