Technology is growing in Avie Forecasting.......Want to help?

**Buzzworthy** · 05-09-2005, 11:21 AM

........I do!

I am currently working with Doug Scott of Avalanchemapping.org, who is using GIS data to build avalanche maps for backcountry trekkers in CO and AK. I am trying to work him into Utah as well.

I just spoke with our CEO, again, and we want to get a group of Utards that have uber BC knowledge, as well as a forecastor or two (Toby Weed has volunteered if we still have enough snow up here for such an activity) to get about 4 of us from the company (me, CEO, Ignacio Birkner, downhill Olympian in Calgary, and an engineer who boards) out in the BC and do some normal activities that forecastors do. (we have to outfit the crew with BC gear, so I need to work on that) Dig pits, look at layers, all that jazz. We (www.junipersys.com) need a better understanding of the info needed to help build the product we envision the way it should be built.

Time frame, I am not sure yet. Candidates like APD, Trackhead, Gramps, Stoy, Powstash..........would be awesome. This would be a day that you folks may have the opportunity to show us by example how important avie forecasting and technology can be. It can save a life or lives.

It would be a slow slog up, teaching and talking about your experiences, what would you like to see in avie forecasting technology discussions, ............ we want to know what you want to see, then see what we can make to help you.

We would bring some equipment and GPS gadgets. Talk about what we envision, see what you think on our vision, ...............

THIS ARTICLE was recieved by me today and tells what Doug is doing. Juniper Systems wants to take things a step farther, in conjunction with Campbell Scientific.

If you would be interested in this type of opportunity or would offer your knowledge, routes and services, please PM me. I am trying to nail this outing down soon.

Preferable spots considering we are located in Logan, UT?

**Foggy_Goggles** · 05-09-2005, 03:47 PM

Doug is a pretty cool guy. I'm not sure exactly what you need from people. Doug's an experienced patroller BC skier. Does he want people to show him what skiers do in the BC, 'cause I'm pretty sure he knows this.

**Buzzworthy** · 05-09-2005, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

Doug is a pretty cool guy. I'm not sure exactly what you need from people. Doug's an experienced patroller BC skier. Does he want people to show him what skiers do in the BC, 'cause I'm pretty sure he knows this.

Yeah, I think he has that covered. WE, the company, want to go out and just do a simple observation of the normal day to day activities of an avie dude. I have been working with Doug on new technology for a variety of snow safety for a few months, well, the snow safety market. We build ultra rugged handhelds and sensors and what not and we have an idea that we feel will work after the Feb meeting in Chorsevel (sp?) with upper peeps from there.

Doug is unique in his field as he uses and maps avies with the latest technology. We want more people like him out there and we can provide the tools he uses (currently a different company, but if we do it better, he said he would be happy to use our equipment). We want to expand on that, or will expand on that.

I have seen a pit dug, but not our CEO or the main engineer........, they need to see this.

This is simply step one, education style for the company that is going to pay for development of what I think could change things in a very positive way.

And yes Foggled one, Doug is a pretty damn nice and down to earth guy, no BS there. Nice to work with such people.

**Telenater** · 05-10-2005, 01:56 PM

If you need any GIS assistance, let me know.

PS, Buzz, go to ESRI this year.....

**AltaPowderDaze** · 05-10-2005, 04:22 PM

if you want real field trials you should hook wra up with one. he's out more than anyone i know and observes 20x the amount of activity that the average tourers see. it might also allow the uac to work with the product and create a demand for it.

**Buzzworthy** · 05-11-2005, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Telenater

If you need any GIS assistance, let me know.

PS, Buzz, go to ESRI this year.....

I never get to go to ESRI!!

Our VP and COO go, sometimes the CEO. Hell, my boss has not even gone yet.

Stupid, as I am supposed to be learning more on GIS and this is a great opportunity.

And yes Nater, I have a feeling I will be looking to you for some assistance.

**Buzzworthy** · 05-11-2005, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by AltaPowderDaze

if you want real field trials you should hook wra up with one. he's out more than anyone i know and observes 20x the amount of activity that the average tourers see. it might also allow the uac to work with the product and create a demand for it.

APD, those are great ideas and have already been in touch with WRA. Trying to bring in the UAC and BRAIC too.

Have a lot to do. A lot.

**skifishbum** · 05-12-2005, 10:21 AM

I would suggest a tour to this area. Meadow chutes adjacent to West Bowl in Silver fork. This slide was from Powderbirds after the epic Holiday storm cycle this season. Haven't been back since resorts closed, but am sure the debris feild is still quite impressive and would be interesting to the others in your group to be able to see. Fairly easy acess from LCC or BCC and low danger/exposure route. I have no avvy certs and wouldn't consider myself an expert by any means, but would be interested in going with if possible.

Edit: Not to say I don't posses skills. I have an EMT cert. Have been touring since the advent of treckers/ AT gear in the US. I find myself becoming slightly obsessed w/ snow safety, to the point of passing up on good safe turns at the resort and going out on high/considerable danger days to be able to enjoy the challenge of finding low angle/exposure terrain and observe the snowpack. This and the desire to ski character building snow the day before storms hit leads me to belive I have a healthy obsession for snow safety.

**cololi** · 05-12-2005, 12:35 PM

Buzz,

I may be able to join in depending on where and when. Let me know what your time frame is. However, I think that your best market would be the professional forecasters (i.e. Toby). IF your technology allows (read: cost) us recreational forecasters (those that do it for their own safety) to use it, then getting a perspective from that group would be good.

**Telenater** · 05-17-2005, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Buzzworthy

And yes Nater, I have a feeling I will be looking to you for some assistance.

Sorry to say that I can help with generating methods for others to use with GIS, but another GIS person at the University recently got canned for selling maps that he produced using University equipment. So, as long as I don't make a profit and you don't make a proffit off of selling final products that I produce we'll be all good.

Phucking UC Regents....

**Buzzworthy** · 05-18-2005, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Telenater

Sorry to say that I can help with generating methods for others to use with GIS, but another GIS person at the University recently got canned for selling maps that he produced using University equipment. So, as long as I don't make a profit and you don't make a proffit off of selling final products that I produce we'll be all good.

Phucking UC Regents....

pssst..........I need a map.

All Good. Soon as the snow flies again I will be hollerin. Maybe before. Who knows when the hell I will get them to sit the hell down and talk to me? I have to put together a plan and that is where you can help with some info and the general nutsos can help me with some profile jazz. Prolly local nutsos, since they are right here.

We are talking about a lot more than maps and not just BC, resorts too. Resorts especially to set a trend for highly efficient data recording. The box is large and we are thinking larger.

More to come.

I damn near need to alot time now to hit the mountains so the weeks are set that if conditions are right, its data takin time. That should be easy. Red Baron, need a 275 day forcast.

Cololi, I hope to use some of your knowledge as well, dont you worry. You are close and know what is up.

**Telenater** · 05-20-2005, 10:18 AM

I should be able to work something out to produce a few maps for you.

**Avmapper** · 07-23-2005, 01:17 PM

Hey Ron,

I am guessing this is you. I was just doing some web research and came across this forum, I did subscribe. My head is swelling. Let me know if I can help out. I am working on a path map for Big Cottonwood right now as well as Teton Pass, Donner Summit, and just finished my first one for Alaska. Keep in touch. Any progress on a Recon type unit?

**Buzzworthy** · 07-24-2005, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Avmapper

Hey Ron,

I am guessing this is you. I was just doing some web research and came across this forum, I did subscribe. My head is swelling. Let me know if I can help out. I am working on a path map for Big Cottonwood right now as well as Teton Pass, Donner Summit, and just finished my first one for Alaska. Keep in touch. Any progress on a Recon type unit?

Hey Doug!!!

Glad you found us. BCC? Wow. APD, Trackhead, Gramps are people you would do well to get in touch with. Teton Pass, PM Frozenwater, a good friend and COO of TGR to get you in touch with the BC regulars there too.

APD, Track, Gramps, Avmapper is a cool guy I met in my work. He does some amazing work in GIS work. Oh, Telenater is another in Cali that has a ton on BC knowledge and ArcView...... Maybe you could play tour guide for Avmapper this winter???

Progress report is due the mid of Sept, at least the rough draft. Will advise.

Hope to see you stick around and contribute, glad to see you here.

Buzz

**Foggy_Goggles** · 07-25-2005, 09:50 AM

Utard, the the .PDF of LCC on Dougs website. It would be worth the $35.

**Avmapper** · 07-26-2005, 09:08 AM

This season I will be producing the Avalanche Atlas Maps in 8.5X14 and 11X17 on a water resistant tear proof paper. They will be $10 to $15, Keep an eye on my site as I continue to post them.

**AltaPowderDaze** · 07-26-2005, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Avmapper

This season I will be producing the Avalanche Atlas Maps in 8.5X14 and 11X17 on a water resistant tear proof paper. They will be $10 to $15, Keep an eye on my site as I continue to post them.

i have only found one guy that had a similar map and i've been looking for one ever since. let me know when you get them up.

**Avmapper** · 07-27-2005, 12:11 AM

I have the Berthoud and Loveland Colorado, Pass Maps available in 8X14 for $10. The Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Arapahoe Basin, Independence and Red Mt Pass, Colorado, and Hatcher Pass, Alsaka, will be on 11X17 and probably be $15. I am still deciding on Teton Pass and Abasin, they may fit nicely on the 8X14. I also have one in the works for Big Cottonwood that will be 11X17. All will be available in wall mount size 24X36 and still be the same price($30+shipping) as they are expensive to produce.

http://www.avalanchemapping.org/avatlas.htm

**AltaPowderDaze** · 07-27-2005, 12:58 AM

put me down for the first lcc/bcc maps you print. a wall mount will go right next to my current/past conditions dry erase board.

**Buzzworthy** · 07-27-2005, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by Avmapper

I have the Berthoud and Loveland Colorado, Pass Maps available in 8X14 for $10. The Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Arapahoe Basin, Independence and Red Mt Pass, Colorado, and Hatcher Pass, Alsaka, will be on 11X17 and probably be $15. I am still deciding on Teton Pass and Abasin, they may fit nicely on the 8X14. I also have one in the works for Big Cottonwood that will be 11X17. All will be available in wall mount size 24X36 and still be the same price($30+shipping) as they are expensive to produce.

http://www.avalanchemapping.org/avatlas.htm

If I get you what I am working towards, I want a wall mount of LCC AND BCC for FREE!! You can bring it to our meeting soon enough.

Im working on it, everyday. Will email progress reports.

**cololi** · 07-27-2005, 08:11 PM

avmapper,

put me down for the bcc and lcc when it is available. Good work.

Ron,

I also have mapping software if you need a hand with something.

**Buzzworthy** · 07-28-2005, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by cololi

Ron,

I also have mapping software if you need a hand with something.

Whatcha got and what operating system does it work on.

Feel free to PM if you prefer or email me at rds at junipersys dootta commie.

And N, I will want to work with you as well, as you are close, I know what you do, and I know you know the BC and the technology we are talking about. Send me an email so I have that address as Doug and I work on things more.

**Avmapper** · 07-31-2005, 11:30 PM

Hey Alta Powder and Cololi I have a couple large LCC maps handy here in Alaska, send me a email through my website and I will send you the details on how to order. I have the BCC close to finished but have UDOT Wasatch avalanche ID numbers for most of the paths and few common names. Any of you have the UDOT atlas that has common names or know the common backcountry names? Let me know or I will go ahead and release with the Avalanche ID numbers. It is easy for me to crank out the 11X17 maps if you want those, they cost less.

Originally Posted by AltaPowderDaze

put me down for the first lcc/bcc maps you print. a wall mount will go right next to my current/past conditions dry erase board.