Field observations of snow instabilities contains 589 snow profile observations with rutschblock tests, signs of instability, and avalanche danger assessments. The data were recorded primarily in the Davos region of the eastern Swiss Alps across the winter seasons from 2001-2002 to 2018-2019. Analysis and publication of this dataset was led by researchers including J. Schweizer.
Use Cases
- Classify avalanche danger levels using features like signs of instability (whumpfs, shooting cracks, recent avalanches) and snow stability class.
- Model snowpack stability by analyzing rutschblock test results alongside profile observations.
- Correlate new snow height measurements with recorded signs of instability to assess loading effects.
- Analyze temporal trends in snow instability and danger levels across 18 winter seasons.
Strengths
- 589 detailed snow profile and stability test records.
- Data spans 18 consecutive winter seasons (2001-2002 to 2018-2019).
- Includes multiple validated metrics: rutschblock tests, instability signs, and danger level assessments.
Limitations
- Geographic focus is primarily on the Davos region, limiting generalizability to other alpine regions.
- Sample size of 589 records may be insufficient for some complex machine learning models.
- Data is static with the last collection year being 2019.
Provenance
- Source
- ENVIDAT, with data recorded by SLF (WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research) observers and staff.
- Collection Method
- Field observations and tests (e.g., rutschblock tests) recorded by trained observers.
- Time Range
- Winter seasons 2001-2002 to 2018-2019.
- Freshness
- Data collection concluded in 2019; dataset was published in 2021.
- Geography
- Primarily the Davos region in the eastern Swiss Alps.