Snowpack observations

REQUIREMENTS
Permission	All users
Connectivity	Online and offline

This observation type refers to snowpack observations as described in OGRS (2014) section 2. While the current version of InfoEx 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. Snow profiles can also be easily included as an attachment.

NOTE

The old InfoEx had an observation type called 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.

Fig. 1: Default format of snowpack observation entry form

Mandatory fields

Mandatory field are highlighted with a red outline and label. Incorrectly completed mandatory field will result in a validation error on submission.

NOTE	If you cannot see the highlighted field in the favourite section of your observation entry form, open all of the sections at the bottom to find the field that is causing the issue.

Name	Mandatory	Comment
Location	Always	Location of observation; needs to be a single locations of any type.
Date	Always	Date of observation

All supported fields

Insert Link to Best Practice Document

ISSUE

In Location Details the Aspect & Elevation plugin as a placeholder for a future enhancement. This is not a bug. Workaround: Drop a pin or include the aspect/elevation in the Observation Summary text field or as part of the attachment. JIRA: -INFOEX-253 (Jan.6, 2015)

Special functionality

In addition to associating snowpack observations with a predefined location from your location catalog, it is also possible to drop a pin on a map to indicate exactly where the observation was taken. See Providing the exact location of an avalanche or snowpack observation for more information on how to drop a pin.

If you have a photo associated with your selected location a pencil icon will appear next to the pin. This allows you to draw on the photo and submit the photo with the overlay you have drawn with your observation. Overlays can be viewed in the Photo Overlay Viewer.

Related documents

Other observation types

• Weather observations
• Field summaries
• Avalanche observations
• Avalanche summaries
• Snow Profiles
• Terrain management
• General messages
• Avalanche control (additional subscription required)

Related functionality

• Difference between observations and assessments
• Entering and submitting observations overview
• Customizing observation entry forms

Functionality tested by

• Jan. 2, 2014: Pascal Haegeli