Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Expert meeting on hazard and disaster data EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Hazard specific data Snow Avalanches J. Rhyner,SLF Davos, Switzerland

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Goals of avalanche hazard data acquisition Damage assessment Statistics (scientific) (Financial) planning by government Insurance Process assessment regional/global Statistics (scientific) Process understanding (initiation and dynamics) Process assessment local Hazard mapping and spatial planning Emergency management planning Legal expertises Local cadastres Dedicated detailed records and reports Analysis of extreme events Detailed integral picture of boundary conditions, process, reactions, and consequences Lessons learnt Detailed report, including local and regional aspects

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Who is recording avalanche data? Local high resolution data: General very disperse due to local needs and country dependent standards Access points to statistical data Group of European Avalanche Warning Services EAWS, s.org s.org International Committee for Alpine Rescue ICAR, (Events where rescue actionshave been initiated, i.e. persons involved) General problem: no unified international standards

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Example Switzerland: Damage Avalanche Data Base Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF Davos Avalanche Types: Avalanches with damage to persons (buried persons, particularly avalanches in snow sport activities) Avalanches damage to buildings (e.g. houses, stables, mountain huts,…) Avalanches with „object“ damage (e.g. traffic axes, ski slopes, ski lifts, conducts, bridges, avalanche defence measures,..) Avalanches with damages to animals and vegetation (z.B. grassland, forest) Avalanches that cause a search and/or rescue or clearing (economic loss)

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Example Switzerland: Damage Avalanche Data Base Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF Davos Contents: Number of events: avalanches 6498 persons Time domain: First in 14th century Since 1888 well documented Since 1970 including all avalanches with snow sports persons captured Contours: 1999: digital contours of most avalanches with damages Since 1999 all known contours are digitalized, also snow sports avalanches

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Example Switzerland: Damage Avalanche Data Base Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research, SLF Davos Parameters: 224 Entries: General (Date, Data Source, Administrator, etc.) Location and information on slope (steepness, exposition, type, etc. Information on release zone Information on run out Avalanche characteristics (type, size, mode of release, etc.) Damage to persons Damage to animals and vegetation Damage to buildings Damage to objects Information on organized actions (e.g. rescue) Other infrmations (short description, documentations)

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010

Overview: all avalanche with damage in Switzerland

Expert Workshop Hazard Data, EEA Copenhagen,19-20 May 2010 Some conclusions “Single overall” avalanche data base not feasible and not worthwile due extremely different requirements Good access to specific data via EAWS partners ( and ICAR-CISA ( A well thought and well specified “minimal” European standard would be highly desirable! There is a series of good example to start with.