The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

Survey flights and land patrols:
Survey flights provide a valuable overview, especially during critical periods. This enables potential fractures and avalanche release areas to be identified, and avalanches that have started can be recorded. Furthermore, the observations allow information on mass snow drift and the current snowpack dynamics (e.g. lateral cracks caused by glide, fresh/old fractures etc.).
Crucial information can also be researched at the site after avalanche accidents. They provide the avalanche warning systems with a basis for documentation and for practical and statistical evaluations, but they also provide information on factors currently involved in generating avalanches. Accidents in which people are injured are handled by the Alpine Constabulary. The Avalanche Warning Service is available to provide support if necessary.

Evaluation:
Data provided by the observers and other informers (mountain tour guides, ski schools,…) is received by telephone, fax, internet or post from the Avalanche Warning Service, and processed immediately with the help of a computer. Data is managed in a database, where it is compiled to create an overview and shown as a graphic representation. This software also incorporates a statistical model. It allows comparison between a current avalanche situation and other situations that have already occurred in the past.
The current organisation structure and technical equipment status of the Avalanche Warning Service have so far proved efficient in practice. However, the Avalanche Warning Service constantly endeavours to integrate new processes and facts derived from research and practice rapidly into their work, in order to achieve an improved basis for assessment and interpretation methods.

The current avalanche report:
Normally the avalanche reports are published on a daily basis from December to April via fax, email, internet and tape. During critical periods, media information is provided via radio, television and newspaper. The period for which reports are provided is extended if the snow situation at the time causes this to be necessary. Occasional status assessments are issued anyway, depending on when winter begins and the weather situation.
In the event of sudden critical changes to the avalanche situation, updates are issued several times a day if necessary. In the last 10 years, a total of over 1500 status reports have been issued. The status reports serve to inform safety personnel about the snow and avalanche situation, and they can use them as a basis upon which to make decisions. Furthermore, ski tourists and the general public can be made aware of the avalanche hazard.