Backcountry image collection enhances safety guidelines
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) Website Gets a Makeover
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) has recently unveiled an updated version of its website, aiming to enhance its functionality and design while improving user experience. The revamped website is now easier to navigate, particularly for finding past public observations, a feature that NZAA forecaster Chris Cochrane, based in Queenstown, finds invaluable for understanding conditions when forecasting.
The NZAA is responsible for managing the national avalanche warning platform in New Zealand, a role it fulfils under the auspices of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council. The website serves as a platform for the public to share their observations and photos, contributing to improved safety outcomes, especially in areas without commercial alpine operators.
The community data initiative, a crucial aspect of the NZAA's operations, benefits greatly from these public submissions. Non-experts can contribute valuable information by submitting photos of conditions or avalanche paths promptly, providing a comprehensive picture of the backcountry.
The updated NZAA website has been well-received, earning a bronze award in the 2020 Best Awards for the 'best user experience design' category. Not only does it offer an improved user experience, but it also allows users to direct themselves to safer, potentially better condition areas in the backcountry.
Additionally, the 'class 1' data submitted to the NZAA is used for scientific purposes by organisations such as NIWA and the University of Otago. Photos from Jonathan Crane (Header: Pleasant Valley - 2021) and Nick Shearer (Tower Ridge, 2019) are just a few examples of the visual data that contributes to these scientific endeavours.
In conclusion, the updated NZAA website is a significant step forward in promoting safety and understanding of New Zealand's backcountry conditions. Whether you're an expert or a non-expert, your contributions can make a difference. So, next time you're out in the backcountry, don't hesitate to share your observations and photos with the NZAA.
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