Difference between observations and assessments

The goal of this document is to describe the difference between observations and assessments and they are used in the InfoEx.

Background

In the InfoEx system, there are two data types that are submitted to the exchange on a daily bases. The two types are observations and assessments.

Observations

The term observations refers to information that was collected in the field and that only includes objective information that was typically collected according to the observation guidelines and recording standards (OGRS) of the Canadian Avalanche Association. The system currently supports the following observation types:

• Weather observations
  This is the standard weather observation from a permanent weather site as described in OGRS (2007) sections 1.1 to 1.4.
• Field summaries
  Field summaries refer to large-scale weather observations that are used to give a general overview of the weather conditions in an area. This type of observation is described in OGRS (2007) section 1.5 and is primarily used by recreational backcountry operations.
• Avalanche observations
  Avalanche observations are detailed records of avalanche occurrences as described in OGRS (2007) section 3. As in the past, the InfoEx supports both the entry of single and multiple events into a single record.
• Avalanche summaries
  Avalanche summaries are free-from text descriptions of the avalanche activity observed in an area. While entering information about avalanche activity in free form text can be very efficient, the value of this format is limited as this information cannot be displayed graphically or included in any analyses. We therefore discourage the use of this observation type.
• Snowpack observations
  This observation type refers to snowpack observations as described in OGRS section 2. While the current version of the InfoEx application does not have explicit entry forms for snow profile observations like in SnowPro or other snow profile applications, the comments field of the snowpack observation type allows users to describe the main characteristics observed in their snow profile and their test results in free-text format.

NOTE

The old InfoEx had an observation type call Snowpack Structure that was used for both the general description of the local snowpack structure and the description of snow profile observations. In the new InfoEx, these two observation types are separated more clearly. While snow profile observations are entered into the snowpack observation type, general descriptions of the snowpack structure are entered into the snowpack workflow module.

• Terrain observation
  The terrain observation type provides a free-form field for the description of the terrain you are comfortable travelling in or the terrain that you are trying to avoid under the current conditions.

NOTE	This observation type was included into the system at the request of the InfoEx Advisory Group with the goal to encourage the exchange of terrain information. The detailed specifications for this observation type are currently still being developed.

• General message
  This observation type offers subscribers to exchange general messages with the InfoEx community.

More information on the functionality of observations and how they can be created can be found at Entering and submitting observations overview.

Assessments

The term assessment refers to information that includes interpretation of observations. These assessments are typically completed by a head forecaster or a guiding team, who assimilate all of the available information into a comprehensive picture of the current conditions. As a consequence, the form for entering assessments into the InfoEx have been implemented as modules that can be integrated into workflows. The system currently supports the following assessment types.

• Snowpack Structure
  The snowpack workflow module provides users with the ability to describe the general characteristics of the snowpack in free-form text.
• Persistent Weak Layer Tracking
  The snowpack workflow module also offers users to keep track of the evolving conditions of the main persistent weak layers that they have observed in their area.
• Hazard Assessment - Simple
  The simple hazard assessment workflow module consists of two free-form text fields that allow users to describe the avalanche problems observed in their areas and the resulting avalanche hazard.
• Hazard Assessment - Detailed
  The detailed hazard assessment workflow module offers users a more structured avalanche hazard assessment process that follows the conceptual model of avalanche hazard developed by Grant Statham and his team. This module includes the detailed description of avalanche problems and the hazard chart.

More information on the functionality of workflows and how they can be created can be found at How to create a workflow.

Related documents

• How to enter and submit observations
• How to create a workflow

Functionality tested by

• n/a