| A University of Calgary avalanche research
program has received $673,700 in new federal funding for five
years. Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, on behalf of Industry
Minister David Emerson, announced funding in November for
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Industrial Research Chair in Snow Avalanche Risk Control.
“Avalanches cause unacceptable loss of lives each year,”
a federal government news release quotes Mr. Emerson as saying.
“By developing improved tools to assess and predict
the risk of avalanche, we will be able to reduce fatalities
and injuries.”
The money comes through a NSERC program that promotes research
partnerships between the private sector and universities.
The Canadian Avalanche Association, Mike Wiegele Helicopter
Skiing, the Canada West Ski Areas Association and B.C. Helicopter
and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association are contributing
$592,100 in cash and $200,000 in kind over five years.
Parks Canada and Glacier National Park provide almost daily
advice, data and in-kind support to the chair's research program.
The new chairholder, Dr. Bruce Jamieson, P.Eng., is currently
an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering
at the University of Calgary. He is well known for his research
on properties of weak snowpacks, failure planes, snow slab
stability and avalanche forecasting.
“I'm very pleased to be continuing my work with such
supportive and forward-thinking partners,” said Dr.
Jamieson. “The financial backing and the interaction
with avalanche professionals will enable important research
into risk control measures and the training of new researchers.”
“Dr. Jamieson's strong working relationship with his
industrial partners as well as his ability to communicate
research results to a variety of audiences make him the ideal
person to undertake this research program,” said Dr.
Tom Brzustowski, P.Eng., president of NSERC, the funding organization.
“During the next five years, he will contribute to the
training of highly needed and qualified personnel who will
advance avalanche forecasting and snow science.”
The Canadian Avalanche Association is Canada's national avalanche
safety organization, representing over 700 members. The Canada
West Ski Areas Association represents 22 areas and resorts
in Western Canada with avalanche safety programs.
The B.C. Helicopter and Snowcat Skiing Operators Association
represents 29 member companies. Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing
employs about 180 persons in its helicopter and resort operations.
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