Avalanche forecasts enable safer mountain trips

More and more avalanche disasters are happening every winter in the mountains. What are avalanche forecasts and what do they mean for mountain safety?

– Since 2000, more than 40 Swedes have died in avalanche disasters, most of them abroad. More and more skiers and snowmobilers are being drawn to steep off-piste terrain. Avalanche forecasts describe the avalanche danger, that is, when and where there is a risk of an avalanche. An avalanche forecast provides the basis for decision-making with the aim of preventing avalanche disasters. The avalanche forecasts are based on observations of snow conditions and local weather forecasts that experts then analyse, and they publish the forecast at lavinprognoser.se. In 2010, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency undertook an initiative and, as a result of which, was commissioned by the government in 2014 to examine the need for avalanche forecasts for the Swedish mountains. In 2015, the government charged the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency with setting up a national avalanche forecast service. At the time of its launch, Sweden was one of the last mountainous countries in Europe to set up such a service. In recent years, the trend has been a decrease in the number of Swedes killed in avalanches and an increase in knowledge of avalanches and how to avoid them. Our studies also show that more and more people are using the avalanche forecasts before undertaking various activities in avalanche terrain.

Avalanches often receive media attention. What is required for accurate media reporting?

– It is basically a good thing of course that the media are writing [about this], and the media obviously need to simplify [this]. However, it is often important to remain nuanced. A comparison can be made with how shark attacks are often reported, with explanations and nuances omitted. But it is our job to provide expert data and to educate the media and explain how to read and use an avalanche forecast. This is why we are continuously in contact with the main editorial offices, not least the TV meteorologists. We want to provide accurate information without being frightening. If the advice contained in an avalanche forecast is followed, it provides a solid foundation for safe mountain trips. It is no guarantee, however. Ultimately, it is the individual’s responsibility.

This winter new actors such as Red Bull TV have begun to broadcast about avalanche danger. How do actors talk responsibly about avalanche danger?

– We welcome the fact that Red Bull TV, highly respected among young people, is discussing the subject. We are seeing a growing interest among a number of actors to help spread avalanche information, and not just promote great film clips. With operating in this arena comes a huge responsibility to provide sufficient and accurate information. We currently have excellent partnerships with both the skiing and snowmobile media where we can together provide information for better decision-making. Working with actors highly respected among various target groups makes the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s task easier. We endeavour to provide accurate information without being bureaucratic. Social media therefore has an important role to play in building knowledge and creating trust.

Per-Olov Wikberg was interviewed by Daniel Nordlund, senior consultant at New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.