27.11.2012
New format for avalanche bulletin
Media Release, November 27th 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.
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
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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