Item: Avalanche terrain maps for backcountry skiing in Switzerland
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Title: Avalanche terrain maps for backcountry skiing in Switzerland
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Stephan Harvey [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Günter Schmudlach [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ] [ Developer and Operator of skitourenguru.ch, Switzerland ]
- Yves Bühler [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Lukas Dürr [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Andreas Stoffel [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Marc Christen [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Terrain characteristics are one of the main factors contributing to avalanche formation. Hence, terrain assessment is crucial for planning and decision making when travelling in the backcountry. So far, terrain is mainly interpreted manually from topographic maps and by observations in the field. Recent support for interpreting avalanche terrain is given by slope angle layers derived from digital elevation models or the Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) for classifying avalanche terrain manually. We developed avalanche terrain maps by combining terrain characteristics of avalanches with the avalanche simulation model RAMMS::EXTENDED and with fall simulations, all based on a high resolution digital elevation model. The focus was on mapping terrain of size class 3 avalanches, which typically threaten backcountry recreationists. We propose a Geographic Information System (GIS) based methodology for a fully automatic classification of the avalanche terrain taking into account: a) potential avalanche release areas, b) remote triggering of avalanches, c) possible runout zones, and d) the potential of being seriously injured or deeply buried by small or medium-sized avalanches. To considered all these aspects several simulations were performed where from we created two different avalanche terrain maps for the entire Swiss Alps and the Jura. One map classifies the avalanche terrain thematically into: i) potential release areas, ii) areas with remote triggering potential, and iii) the runout zones of size 3 avalanches. The second map provides continuous values illustrating how serious or dangerous the terrain is in terms of avalanche release and the consequences of being caught. These maps assist the interpretation of avalanche terrain for travelling in the backcountry. Although they focus on Switzerland, the methods can also be applied to other mountain areas worldwide.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: avalanche terrain, avalanche terrain map, avalanche hazard mapping, backcountry touring
Page Number(s): 1625-1631
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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