Avalanche Terrain Modeling

SGRC Lead Researcher: Donna Delparte

The capacity for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce maps visualizing terrain features and improvements in web-based mapping software has lead to an interest in providing avalanche risk based maps for the public, particularly in the form of on-line solutions. To effectively model terrain a high resolution digital elevation model is required. This research looks at building a high resolution DEM to develop avalanche start zone and runout zone models that will be visualized using GIS. The maps generated would potentially aid backcountry users in evaluating avalanche terrain. A prototype on-line Web Map will be produced to facilitate dynamic and interactive map displays of the models developed.