AvalancheGuard
Avalanche forecasts save lives. They enable those who travel, live, work, or recreate in the backcountry to make informed decisions in snowy mountain environments.
Forecasters rely on weather reports, snowpit data, and avalanche event observations to assess daily avalanche risk. However, forecasters and avalanche center directors agree that more reports on when, where, and what types of avalanches people see are essential. Increased reporting would lead to more accurate, localized avalanche forecasts, enhancing public safety and decision-making for backcountry travelers.
Backcountry travelers say that they currently don’t contribute pictures to existing observation platforms because they are unsure how to caption them. They also don’t realize that their contributions could help keep everyone safe.
To address this need, we’ve developed AvalancheGuard, an app that allows recreational skiers, riders, snowmobilers, and anyone traveling through snowy mountains to easily upload pictures of any avalanche activity they see. Our app automatically captions pictures with the avalanche type, simplifying the observation submission process for backcountry travelers. These crowd-sourced observations are summarized on our platform, providing valuable data for forecasters to analyze when developing their avalanche risk forecasts.
How Our App Works
Our app enables easy avalanche observation logging by the general public. It then uses computer vision AI models to label and summarize avalanche observations for forecasters who need them to improve their forecasts. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the process:
Step 1: Data Collection
Crowdsource pictures of avalanches from backcountry travelers (skiers, snowmobilers, etc).
Step 2: Data Analysis
Analyze and label avalanche pictures using AI computer vision models.
Step 3: Inform forecasts
Summarize avalanche observations for forecasters to consider when determining avalanche risk levels.
⛷️ Skiers’ Guide to Snapping Pics for Better Forecasts!
Hey, backcountry enthusiast! ⛷️ Want to help make avalanche forecasts even more accurate? If you see or trigger an avalanche, when everyone is safe, submit a picture of the avalanche on our app. Forecasters rely on pictures of avalanche activity to help determine risk levels. Here’s how you can upload the best photos. Your local friendly avalanche center will thank you! Remember to be safe in the backcountry!
Quality Shots
Center and focus on the avalanche.
Stay Relevant
Capture avalanche, location, and timestamp.
Ethical Ski Snaps
No identifiable people, keep it family-friendly.
Explain and Detail
Describe what you see, if you can.
Tech Tips
Use JPEG, PNG, or TIFF, and keep it under 10MB.
Follow the Rules
Upload only your photos and follow the laws.
Avalanche Awareness
Prioritize Safety in the Backcountry.
Cool AI Practices
We value transparency, accuracy, and fairness.
Thank You!
Thanks for being part of our community! Your photos help provide the most accurate and localized forecasts. See an avalanche? Send it our way!! 📷❄️⛷️