Item: VISION ZERO: COLLABORATIVE PROJECT TO REDUCE AVALANCHE ACCIDENTS IN LYNGEN, NORTHERN NORWAY
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Title: VISION ZERO: COLLABORATIVE PROJECT TO REDUCE AVALANCHE ACCIDENTS IN LYNGEN, NORTHERN NORWAY
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Emma Julseth Barfod [ NVE Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
- Audun Hetland [ Center for Avalanche Research and Education, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway ]
- Markus Landrø [ NVE Norwegian Water and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: Avalanche accidents are an increasing problem in Troms, Norway, particularly on the Lyngen peninsula. Every year, the tourism industry sees a growing number of ski-touring tourists coming to the region, which is the main reason for the increasing number of avalanche accidents. The "Vision Zero" project is an extensive cluster collaboration with the mission of reducing avalanche accidents in the county of Troms and aims for zero fatal accidents. While zero fatalities might be unrealistic, it is the vision. The project started season 2023/2024 and will run for one more season. The first season launched several measures including a new mobile app for safer ski tours, daily online guide meetings, distribution of important avalanche information and enhanced avalanche forecasting. This paper reviews the different measures discussed and tried out, along with ideas and plans for the next season. Preliminary results from the 2023/24 season are promising, with positive feedback from different user groups. Notably, there were no fatalities among foreign tourists this season, which is very promising. However, it's important to emphasize that it was a calm and easy winter season with rather stable snowpack, which is unusual for the Troms region.
Object ID: ISSW2024_O12.6.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Emma Julseth Barfod
Keywords: Avalanche warning, tourism, avalanche mitigation, app, guide meetings
Page Number(s): 1633 - 1636
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