Preliminary Project Outline = Extreme avalanche danger = High avalanche danger = Considerable avalanche danger = Moderate avalanche danger = Low avalanche.

Interactive Mapping of Northwest Weather and

Avalanche Center (NWAC) Avalanche Forecasts

EGEO 452 Spring Project

Proposal

Josh Jones3/10/2011

Preliminary Project Outline

1. Convert daily NWAC avalanche forecasts to interactive maps by running the forecast data through ArcGIS models, which will be run on a daily basis

2. Develop a website through the Arc Server to allow interested parties to research how the avalanche forecasts affect local geographies in which they may be traveling

NWAC makes daily forecasts for 13 diff erent regions in the Cascade and Olympic mountains of Washington and Northern Oregon. These forecasts produce a compass rose that shows avalanche danger based upon aspect and elevation. The rose legend dictates how to read the compass rose.

= Extreme avalanche danger

= High avalanche danger

= Considerable avalanche danger

= Moderate avalanche danger

= Low avalanche danger

Source: Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center, http://www.nwac.us/

Avalanche Forecasting

Danger Rose Danger Legend

DATAThe data for the avalanche forecasting is in the

process of being obtained from NWAC, which will be used to run in all of the models.

Possible Supplementary Layers for the Arc Server Site:

• SNOTEL site data for snowpack data• Nexrad weather data from NOAA• Links for the snow cameras in the area• Links to ski area conditions

• NWAC forecasts do not cover ski areas

My Preliminary Role

1. Assist in Developing the ArcGIS model in for the NWAC forecast data to be run

2. Work to optimize the interactive avalanche forecast website that is currently being developed on Huxley’s Arc Server

NWAC Avalanche Forecast Site

http://www.nwac.us/

Arc Server Prototype

http://myweb.students.wwu.edu/~jonesj54/av

Before the Arc Server was operational I

created a Swiss-Hillshade for the area around Mount Baker

to use as a prototype base-layer.

QUESTIONS?

Photo Source: http://thundafunda.com/5/Mountains/photos-of-Mount-Baker-Snoqualmie-National-Forest-Washing-pictures.php