Avalanche Problem Toolbox

This snowpack summary applies only to backcountry areas in the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. Click here for a map of the area. This snowpack summary describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This snowpack summary expires in 48 hours unless otherwise noted. The information in this snowpack summary is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

AVALANCHE PROBLEM TOOLBOX

Concept Fall 2013 by Drew Hardesty, UAC and Wendy Wagner, CNFAC and presented at 2014 ISSW (International Snow Science Workshop) with Abstract below. Full paper can be found here -

ABSTRACT: The following paper presents a new public forecasting tool designed to communicate travel
advice specific to each of the established Avalanche Problems. Avalanche Problems have become a
mainstay, not only for forecast centers but also for avalanche education throughout North America.
Among professionals, it is widely agreed that the type of avalanche conditions determines one’s choice of
terrain. Many of our users are only beginning to understand this concept. Therefore, we seek to expand
the current descriptions by adding terrain management advice specific to each of the nine Problems. In
order to accomplish this, a set of five metrics was established to determine each Problem’s inherent
manageability. Compiled into a short paragraph, the advice will be displayed in a pop-up window along
with additional information including a photo, video, graphics and associated definition. The pop-up
window will be accessed from the daily avalanche advisory webpage through a subscript ‘i’ hyperlink
located near the icon(s) for the day’s Problem(s). This paper concludes with a discussion of the many
challenges encountered.