WINTER SCHOOL ON SNOW HYDROLOGY AND AVALANCHE PREVENTION
Date: February 18 – 22, 2025
Location: Patejdlova bouda - Krkonoše Mountains
(CZECH VERSION)
The Winter School in the Krkonoše Mountains is an exclusive educational course focusing on snow hydrology and avalanche prevention. This course is ideal for natural science students who wish to deepen their knowledge about snow dynamics and its importance for mountain ecosystems and water resources. Led by experienced lectors, the course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises in the stunning Krkonoše mountain setting.
Key Aspects of Snow: Snow is a critical component of the hydrological cycle, influencing not just spring runoffs but also groundwater reserves and hence water availability in summer. It also impacts a range of natural hazard processes such as avalanches and floods. The presence of snow is an important ecological and economic aspect, essential for various plants, animals, and numerous industrial and sports sectors. Understanding the dynamics of snow cover thus completes the overall mosaic of environmental education.
Instructors: Our instructors have accumulated experience in mountains and polar regions across Europe and the world, engaging in snow research and mountain safety for many years. Through modern methods, you will gain a fundamental overview of snow issues.
What You Will Learn:
- Measure basic properties of snow and analyze the snow profile.
- Estimate water content in the snow cover.
- Analyze the impact of vegetation and topography on snow deposition and melting.
- Utilize unmanned systems to map snow height variability.
- Work with avalanche equipment and identify avalanche risks.
Winter School in the Media:
The Winter School has gained media attention, from specialist blogs to television reports.
- Read about it on the Summit-trade blog, which offers a comprehensive view of the course.
- Several reports by Czech Television:
