27.11.2012

New format for avalanche bulletin

Media Release, November 27^th 2012
The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF publishes for the first time the completely renewed avalanche bulletin. Based on a zoomable, interactive danger map, the information is clearly presented. The principal distribution channels are the internet and a smartphone app.

The avalanche bulletin is produced by the SLF to inform the public and, in particular, snow sport participants and the safety authorities, about the current avalanche danger. The format adopted for the new avalanche bulletin makes it easy for users quickly to obtain an overview of the situation in the individual regions of the Swiss Alps and to recognise the key aspects immediately.

The new avalanche bulletin at www.slf.ch

Accessing the new avalanche bulletin with the SLF app “White Risk”.

The SLF app “White Risk” contains the interactive avalanche bulletin, current snow and weather data, and background knowledge to assist in assessing the avalanche danger.

Interactive and clear-cut – starting with most important information

The new bulletin consists of two parts: a zoomable interactive map with danger descriptions, and a text describing the snowpack and weather. Users are directed first to the danger level, then to the "core zone" (the especially endangered altitude zones and aspects). A simple click takes the user to the detailed danger description. The clear graphic layout and structure make the bulletin easy to understand.

Always in four languages

The SLF assesses the situation daily and produces a forecast of the avalanche danger, starting mid December twice a day. The zoomable map with the danger descriptions is published at 8 am and 5 pm, in German, French, Italian and English for all the regions of the Swiss Alps and, as necessary, for the Jura as well. This new four-language format is facilitated by a fully automatic translation service. Separate national and regional bulletins are no longer required. The "Snowpack and weather" information is published always at 5 pm.

Avalanche bulletin as app and print versions

The SLF app “White Risk” has been thoroughly revised to deliver the avalanche bulletin to smartphones with all its functions, including the zoomable interactive map. The four-language app also offers extensive background knowledge about avalanche prevention. It is available free for the iPhone and Android operating systems. As before, a variety of products are available for printing, including regional danger maps suitable for displaying by cableway operators and at access points to freeride regions.

The principal distribution channels for the avalanche bulletin are the internet, which has been the main outlet for many years, and to an increasing extent the SLF app “White Risk”. Since both these channels can display information graphically, the new bulletin has been optimised for easy viewing. Distribution by telephone (187 service), WAP, Teletext and MMS is to be discontinued. As in the past, a weekly report, snow depth maps and other products provide key additional information alongside the bulletin.

Further information

• Avalanche bulletin: www.slf.ch/lawinenbulletin
  
• Background information, FAQs

Contacts

• Kurt Winkler, Avalanche Warning Service, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Tel. +41 81 4170127, winkler@slf.ch
• Julia Wessels, Communications, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, +41 81 4170286, wessels@slf.ch

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