• < Back to projects

Participation in UNIS course AG-346 Snow and Avalanche Dynamics 2025

Lay summary

Description of the programme

UNIS AG-346 Snow and Avalanche Dynamics is a six-week course aimed at Master students, aiming to develop a broader understanding of snow and avalanche hazard in a unique high-arctic maritime context. The course was split into four modules, each exploring different elements of avalanche hazard: Environmental Controls on Avalanche Formation; Snow Physics and Avalanche Processes; Avalanche Dynamics and Release Mechanisms; Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Strategies. All the modules were delivered by visiting expert lecturers and were supported with regular fieldwork.

How did you benefit from the programme?

This course was extremely useful, exposing me to a different snow and avalanche context to what I am used to, compared to Scotland and the Alps, but also in considering avalanches in terms of protecting settlements, rather than only winter sports participants. It was useful that many of the lecturers were working practically in a consultancy settings, and this expertise was incorporated into field work and practical assignments. The range of different perspectives was useful to challenge me to think about snow avalanches in new ways, equipping me for both my master thesis, and potential future study and work opportunities.

What were the highlights of the training?

As for many UNIS students, the fieldwork opportunities were a real highlight. Learning to drive a snow mobile, dig plenty of snow profiles, and participate in mock consulting assignments was really fun and valuable. It was also a valuable networking opportunity, and nice to meet a range of students and lecturers from a range of backgrounds. Being in Svalbard was a superb experience, and I certainly enjoyed making the most of the ski-touring opportunities in the first weeks of the course, both during fieldwork and in my free time.

Would you recommend the programme to other students?

I would certainly recommend this programme to other students interested in all areas of snow and avalanche science. The programme is a unique opportunity to explore snow and avalanches in detail, learn new skills and refine existing ones, and apply them in practical, consulting-style settings. Longyearbyen, the 24-hr daylight and the surrounding mountains were an interesting environment to explore, and well worth bringing your touring skis – although don’t be put off if skiing isn't your thing, field work was cleverly designed so skiing was not mandatory.

Details

Keywords