The fresh new snow entails risks for ski tourers that can be minimised. Michael Butschek, meteorologist and head of the avalanche warning center of the state of Salzburg, explains how to reduce it.
The past few days have brought up to 50 centimeters of fresh snow. From the south of the state to the state capital of Salzburg, valley and mountain are snow-covered and mostly wind-treated. At the weekend, ski tourers and winter sports enthusiasts should plan well and carefully, especially away from the slopes. “If you plan carefully, you can find nice powder snow on leeward slopes,” explains Michael Butschek. The meteorologist from GeoSphere Austria (formerly ZAMG) heads the avalanche warning service of the state of Salzburg. He is an avalanche expert and, as a native of Tyrol, spends a lot of time in the mountains in both summer and winter. “As a meteorologist and athlete, this is essential,” says Butschek. Expert report with details for Salzburg Every day at 6 p.m. Butschek and his colleagues publish the avalanche situation report for Salzburg’s mountains. The forecasters behind the report base their expertise on around 100 measuring points across the state. In addition, there is information from external professionals and avalanche warning commissions. At the end of each evening there is a Europe-wide standardized assessment of the avalanche situation – especially for Salzburg. The report and its creation are not enough for the meteorologists. You also study avalanche accidents afterwards, such as the recent one in Lungau. Experience and knowledge are mandatory when dealing with avalanches, because this is the only way to minimize the risk as much as possible. Interview with Michael Butschek, Head of the Salzburg Avalanche Center: Mr. Butschek, the report goes online every day at 6 p.m. in winter. What’s behind it? There are about 100 measuring points in Salzburg. There are also reports from experts who are out and about in nature. Automatic stations and observers complement each other. The forecasters in the office then draw a picture of the data situation. At the end there is the current report….that athletes should read before they go into the open country? Yes, that’s right. Alpine clubs organize avalanche courses. Not only how to search for buried subjects is taught, but also how to interpret avalanche reports. Knowledge is acquired quickly, it just has to be applied correctly. What is your advice for ski tourers at the moment? Experience is currently required for a correct assessment. In addition to snowdrift there is an old snow problem. Good planning is always important anyway. Repetition of learned knowledge and further training as well.
source site-12