Spatial and Temporal Analyses of Fatal Off-Piste and Backcountry Avalanche Accidents in Austria with a Comparison of Results in Switherland, France, Italy and the US.

Artikel aus einem Buch

17574BU

200204862

ABSTRACT: In this article we analyze spatial and temporal patterns of fatal Austrian avalanche accidents caused by backcountry and off-piste skiers and snowboarders within the winter periods 1967/68–2015/16. The data are based on reports of the Austrian Board for Alpine Safety and reports of the information services of the federal states. Additionally, we compare Austrian results with results of Switzerland, France, Italy and the United States based on data from the International Commission of Alpine Rescue (ICAR). Because of the increasing trend and the rather ‘narrow’ regional distribution of the fatalities consequences on prevention of avalanche accidents are highly recommended.Keywords: Snow, Avalanches, Accidents