Item: THE NATIONAL AVALANCHE FORECAST PLATFORM: A SYSTEM THAT HAS REDUCED COSTS, IMPROVED CONSISTENCY, AND PROMOTED COLLABORATION AMONG U.S. AVALANCHE CENTERS
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Title: THE NATIONAL AVALANCHE FORECAST PLATFORM: A SYSTEM THAT HAS REDUCED COSTS, IMPROVED CONSISTENCY, AND PROMOTED COLLABORATION AMONG U.S. AVALANCHE CENTERS
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2023, Bend, Oregon
Authors:
- Chris Lundy [ USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center, Stanley, ID, USA ]
- Simon Trautman [ USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center, Bellingham, WA, USA ]
Date: 2023-10-08
Abstract: U.S. Avalanche Centers operate independently and may be federal, state, or NGO/nonprofit programs. Historically, each Avalanche Center (AC) built its own web-based interfaces for collecting and distributing avalanche safety information. This independent development leads to economic inefficiencies and inconsistency in the presentation of websites, avalanche forecasts, and observational data. In 2019, the USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC) assembled a working group to collaborate on web technology projects. This consortium led to the development of the National Avalanche Forecast Platform (AFP) in 2019. The AFP has expanded to include a suite of web-based modules that ACs can use according to their needs. The internet is the single most powerful means of collecting and distributing avalanche safety information. Its use can be costly, technically complex, and maddeningly dynamic. In this paper, we highlight some of the key benefits of the AFP. Although the most obvious advantages of this system are cost-sharing, creating economies of scale, and consistent public messaging, other significant benefits include added efficiencies to forecaster workflow and training and a centralized database of U.S. avalanche forecast data. This project reflects an unprecedented level of cooperation among the U.S. Avalanche Centers and suggests that we have entered a new and more collaborative phase in public avalanche forecasting in the U.S.
Object ID: ISSW2023_O1.03.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Chris Lundy
Keywords: avalanche forecasting, web technology, public safety messaging, data management
Page Number(s): 18 - 25
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