How do the users of the Swiss avalanche forecast use, understand, and apply the presented information

Pascal Haegeli

Simon Fraser University
Vancouver BC, Canada

Link

Fellowship Period: 10.2023-01.2024 / 04.-05.2024

Pascal leads the SFU Avalanche Research Program (SARP), where he and his team conduct applied research in support of the Canadian and global avalanche safety communities. Their goal is to help people make better informed avalanche risk management decisions by conducting research at the interface between the natural and social sciences. Projects range from making snowpack modelling more useful for avalanche forecasters to better aligning the content of avalanche forecasts with the needs and capabilities of users.

Activities within WSL Fellowship

To be effective, avalanche forecasts need to provide accurate information about existing conditions in a format that is understandable and actionable by users. Building on a series of survey studies conducted in collaboration with the Swiss and Tyrolean avalanche warning services, the focus of Pascal’s fellowship was to examine the use, understanding and application of the information presented in the Swiss avalanche forecast in detail, discuss the results and their implications with the avalanche forecasting team, and support the design of a long-term strategy for better understanding the needs and capabilities of avalanche forecast users and integrating this information into the design of future avalanche forecast products.

Cooperation within WSL

Internal contacts

Cooperation outside of WSL

  • Christoph Mitterer (Tyrolean avalanche warning service)
  • Reto Rupf (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)