Greenland - Switzerland Avalanche collaboration
WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF
Technical University of Denmark
Asiaq Greenland Survey
Lay summary
In Greenland, there is no permanent avalanche warning service, although several accidents are reported each winter throughout the country. Although there have been some local efforts to provide basic avalanche warning in recent years, these services are not sustainable as they are based either on volunteers or on very limited resources for professionals. To facilitate the development of a modern and efficient avalanche service in Greenland, this project aims to establish collaboration between avalanche management professionals in Greenland and Switzerland. During the winters of 2023 and 2024, experienced avalanche forecasters from Switzerland will travel to Sisimiut and Nuuk to meet local practitioners, understand local challenges, and discuss efficient mitigation strategies. At the same time, observers from Greenland will travel to Davos to participate in SLF training courses. In the long term, this collaboration is expected to give avalanche management actors in Greenland sufficient leverage to obtain government funding for a nationwide permanent service.
Details
| Regional focus | Arctic |
| Location | Greenland and Switzerland |
| Funded amount | 25,000 CHF |
| Project dates | 1st November 2022 – 1st May 2025 |
| Category | International Collaboration |