Tech Comm Update: Feedback on OGRS Questions

The Canadian Avalanche Association Technical Committee (TechCom) met during the 2023 Spring Conference in Penticton to discuss numerous questions raised by membership related to the content of Observational Guidelines and Reporting Standards (OGRS). One of the main responsibilities of TechCom is to ensure the scientific integrity the CAA’s internal technical documents and publications, including OGRS. A major revision is currently being planned, however its official release isn’t expected for at least a year or two. Given that timeline, TechCom wanted to provide some initial feedback and recommendations to these questions raised.

Snow Profile form

New Snow Profile Sheets (field book version)

November 2021—The Industry Training Program is testing out a simplified way of recording snow profiles. You are welcome to use these field book-sized sheets. If you have any feedback or suggestions for improvement, please send them to Chris Dyck.

Recommended Generic Table of Contents—Avalanche Safety Plan

Avalanche Safety Plan Template for Snowmobile Clubs

This document is a resource for snowmobile clubs in BC who operate snow grooming equipment on roads or trails that are exposed to the effects of infrequent avalanches from above. It provides an overview of the planning and development of an avalanche safety plan and provides some examples that are based on a fictional snowmobile club trail grooming program. This document was developed with the kind support of Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

WorkSafeBC Avalanche Balloon Packs—Current Status at the Canadian Workplace

Dr. Pascal Haegeli researched and published this paper in 2012. This document looks at the use of avalanche balloon packs from a Canadian perspective with a focus on the potential applicability in BC workplaces. WorkSafeBC generously provided funding for this project.

The materials below are not viewed as current, but are provided here as a courtesy as they may be referenced in Avalanche Safety Plans. For current projects and practice, please refer to the: 

Technical Aspects of Snow Avalanche Risk Management (TASARM): Resources and Guidelines for Avalanche Practitioners in Canada.

Historical References

Land Managers Guide to Snow Avalanche Hazards in Canada

Guidelines for Snow Avalanche Risk Determination and Mapping in Canada

Avalanche Accidents in Canada Volume 1

Avalanche Accidents in Canada Volume 2

Avalanche Accidents in Canada Volume 3

Avalanche Accidents in Canada Volume 4

Avalanche Accidents in Canada Volume 5