Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches (OGRS)

*Updated August 2024*

Observation Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches (OGRS) PDF*

Resources
Video Recording - OGRS Update Information Session

The Avalanche Journal - OGRS Update Article

*A hard copy of OGRS can be purchased from the CAA Store

Avalanche Incident Reporting Form

Strong operational procedures rely on consistent record keeping in line with best practices. Operations that experience accidents can draw from this record keeping in part but are likely to want to record additional detail. The details recorded in the Avalanche Incident Reporting Form allow operations to:

• Maintain records for the operation to allow for learning continuous improvement of procedures

• Report to as required to external agencies such as the WorkSafeBC, the RCMP, BC Coroner service and others

• Report conditions around incidents to insurers

• Share urgent hazard information with Avalanche Canada - forecaster@avalanche.ca

• Share case studies with peers at the CAA spring conference or other venues

The Avalanche Accident Incident Reporting Form is included in the CAA’s Observation Guidelines and Reporting Standards (OGRS),

The form is conveniently presented below in a stand-alone version in both PDF and Word versions to allow operations to quickly access the form and adapt it to operational needs:

Snow Profile Procedures
In the video below, the CAA's Industry Training Program has compiled basic information about snow profile procedures based on the Observation Guidelines & Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanches - 2024 Edition. These procedures have been developed over several decades applying research of many of the world's leading snow scientists. The CAA offers this informational video to help practitioners complete profiles more efficiently and with fewer errors.

Snow Profile Procedures (English)

Snow Profile Procedures (French)