Innovation September-October 2013

engineering component while active avalanche risk treatment (i.e., explosives) and day-to-day hazard evaluation is normally carried out by avalanche professionals. As industry pushes deeper into the mountains and more complex avalanche scenarios are being encountered there is a greater need to work together. The numerical and analytical background of an engineer can be complimented with the firsthand experience an avalanche professional has with the snow environment. Working together provides an environment in which the risks can be effectively managed. Likely, tens of thousands of avalanches occur in British Columbia every winter. As new developments are built in avalanche-prone areas, there is an ever-increasing risk of an accident. Recognition of the hazard and managing it can prevent these natural events from becoming disasters. Frank W. Baumann, P.Eng., is a consulting geological engineer, mainly engaged in engineering related to resource development and the management of natural hazards. He lives and works in Squamish, BC. Cornelius Amelunxen is an internationally certified Mountain Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and an Avalanche Professional and Instructor with the Canadian Avalanche Association. He has worked in the avalanche industry in North and South America for over 15 years. He resides in Squamish, BC. The authors will be presenting a session at the 2013 APEGBC Conference in Whistler, BC.

how to use and interpret avalanche forecasts and travel advisories. Training will also describe methods and equipment used to travel with reasonable safety through avalanche terrain, and how to conduct an avalanche rescue if someone is buried. Risk identification, analysis and evaluation has historically been done by engineers in British Columbia. The design of passive risk reduction structures, such as berms, snow sheds, or snow retention systems in starting zones all have a significant An avalauncher uses compressed air to fire projectiles into avalanche starting zones. Explosives are commonly used to bring down avalanches in a controlled manner in order to reduce or eliminate the risk.

G r e at e r than the sum o f the part s

p e o p L e + p L aC e s

Urban Systems Ltd. and Catherine Berris Associates Inc. are pleased to announce that we are joining forces. With almost 30 years of experience in landscape architecture, community and environmental planning, and GIS/3D visualization services, Catherine Berris and her team add a valuable new dimension to Urban Systems’ South Coast practice. This is an exciting time for both companies as it allows us to bring even greater value to our many combined clients throughout Western Canada.

urbansystems.ca | cbainc.bc.ca 550–1090 Homer St Vancouver, BC 604 235 1701

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