Public Avalanche Warning Service
Research Avalanche Canada understands the importance of keeping pace with the latest research when considering ways to reduce avalanche accidents involving people. We are well positioned to play three research-related roles. The first is an advisory role where we help focus the efforts of dedicated research groups and government agencies on topics that carry the biggest potential for harm reduction. The second is to act in a technology transfer capacity, helping to operationalize research initiatives that have demonstrated sufficient effectiveness to warrant a move into more widespread use. The third is to monitor the efficacy of our programs to ensure we deliver the best possible service to the winter recreational community. Computer modelling Last year, Avalanche Canada took over hosting and development of a pair of snow cover models that came out of the Applied Snow Avalanche Research group (ASARC) at the University of Calgary. The surface hoar model is integrated into the CAA’s InfoEx platform and will run again this season in the same way as last season. The snow profile model will run at an increased number of locations this winter and will be used operationally to support the new Hot Zone Report initiative.
Partnership with Environment Canada We have fostered a very close relationship with the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) Pacific Storm Prediction Centre, which has resulted in significant improvements to the Mountain Weather Forecast. We are excited to begin a new partnership with the MSC National Laboratory, with a project that will focus on developing experimental weather products that could be used by Avalanche Canada to support avalanche forecasting.
MIN report analysis Avalanche Forecaster Ryan Buhler undertook an investigation into trends of reported conditions on the Mountain Information Network. Among the interesting results are an indication that users underestimate the danger of riding in sparse trees, and that users may not appreciate the kind of terrain to best avoid during periods of rising temperature and/ or sunshine. These results may help inform elements of avalanche training, and could help improve the questions asked on the MIN report forms.