Item: An Operational Specific Avalanche Risk Matrix (OSARM): Combining the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard with risk analysis and operational mitigation strategies
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Title: An Operational Specific Avalanche Risk Matrix (OSARM): Combining the Conceptual Model of Avalanche Hazard with risk analysis and operational mitigation strategies
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- S. Langeland [ Wyssen Norge AS, Sogndal, Norway ]
- P. Velsand [ Wyssen Norge AS, Sogndal, Norway ]
- L. Solemsli Øyvind [ Wyssen Norge AS, Sogndal, Norway ]
- W. Steinkogler [ Wyssen Avalanche Control AG, Reichenbach, Switzerland ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Object specific avalanche forecasting is common in many countries and typically assesses avalanche hazard on an mountain (> 10 km2) scale or single path (< 1km) scale, whereas public avalanche forecast services (> 100 km, drainage/mountain range scale) typically apply the North American or the European Avalanche Danger Scale to communicate the avalanche hazard. These scales are of limited usefulness in object specific avalanche forecasting as both the exposure and the vulnerability of the element at risk must be considered. The Operational Specific Avalanche Risk Matrix (OSARM) is a concept that seeks to improve the integration of the risk analysis in the planning phase, with the decision making and applied mitigation measures in the operational phase. In the planning phase a qualitative risk assessment is conducted to determine to which avalanche size(s) the element at risk was exposed to and how vulnerable it is to each avalanche size. In the next step the accepted risk and possible mitigation strategies are defined together with the client. Based on this analysis, two or three risk ratings with associated mitigation strategies are defined. The OSARM has been operationally implemented in Norway during the winter season 2017/18 for two projects related to avalanche forecasting for worksites and for another project that is related to avalanche forecasting and avalanche control for a transportation corridor.
Object ID: ISSW2018_O12.3.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche forecasting, local forecasting, operational forecasting, danger scales, danger levels, Conceptual model of avalanche hazard, OSARM, avalanche risk, risk mitigation, ISO 31 000, TASARM
Page Number(s): 1108-1115
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