A new Aineva course for park rangers at the Cottian Alps parks

In February 2024, three Cottian Alps park rangers already in possession of the title of AINEVA snow observer, participated in the specialization course in itinerant surveys in Valle d'Aosta to acquire advanced knowledge necessary for the assessment of local avalanche danger conditions and identification of avalanche problems on the ground.

During two days structured into a theoretical and a practical module, the snow mechanics criteria, the analysis and evaluation methodologies of the stability of the snowpack were explored in depth with a focus on slab avalanches and in-depth knowledge was provided on the correct execution of snow-meteorological observations and measurements and stability tests along itinerant surveys in open terrain and the subsequent compilation of forms and reports according to AINEVA standards.

At the level of the Italian Alps, AINEVA, the Interregional Association for coordination and documentation for problems relating to snow and avalanches, is responsible for training and updating sector technicians on snow and avalanche issues and provides professionals working in the mountains in the various sectors linked to the prevention of avalanche danger, useful elements for data collection, prediction, prevention and planning activities. Aineva coordinates the relevant local authorities by promoting the adoption of common data collection methodologies and the testing of tools and equipment.

For the Piedmont Region, the body that deals with the collection of meteorological and snow data collected in the regional territory by local authorities and administrations and their processing and dissemination through the issuing of specific forecast bulletins is ARPA Piedmont, Natural and Environmental Risks Department.

Thanks to an agreement with Arpa Piemonte, the management body of the Protected Areas of the Cottian Alps makes available qualified personnel, park rangers and technicians trained according to the AINEVA procedures required by the Department, for the collection of data at the nivometric weather detection station of Pragelato - Pount daz Itreit and in the execution of itinerant snow surveys in the territories of Valle Susa and Val Chisone managed by the Authority and neighboring areas, fundamental for knowing the real snow conditions and analyzing the characteristics of the snow cover and its stability.

In fact, during the winter, park rangers and technicians monitor the territory with weekly outings during which, having identified significant areas, chosen in relation to the quantity of snow present and the representativeness of the slope with respect to what could be the critical issues on a ski mountaineering itinerary or with snowshoes, they carry out stratigraphy and stability tests of the snow cover. The shared data contributes to the preparation of the avalanche bulletin and the avalanche risk bulletin essential for the regional warning system, which feed the Arpa Piemonte meteorological database in real time. The surveys relating to snow can also be useful for the Authority's permitted management purposes and allow staff to acquire fundamental information for their safety in the mountains.
Of great interest for the drafting of the bulletin but also for territorial planning are the observations and reports of data relating to spontaneous and triggered avalanche activity and in particular the census of medium and large sized avalanches or in any case of those that have caused damage to forestry assets, infrastructures, buildings and people.