Snow, ice, and permafrost hazards in Alaska: research needs and opportunities

ACCAP partnered with scientists at UAF’s Geophysical Institute and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys (DGGS) to co-sponsor a 2011 workshop “Snow, Ice and Permafrost Hazards in Alaska: Research needs and opportunities.”

The workshop was designed to provide a forum for scientists and managers to identify information and research needs of state agencies and other organizations working directly with the State of Alaska on issues that are potentially impacted by hazards associated with snow, ice and permafrost.

Over 35 participants included representatives from: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation; Water Division; Alaska Department of Natural Resources; Division of Geological & Geophysical Survey; Alaska Department of Natural Resources; Division Oil and Gas ; Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Alaska State Pipeline Coordinator’s Office; Alyeska Pipeline Service Company; ASRC Energy Services Company; Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; Regulation and Enforcement; The Denali Commission; Institute of the North; NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service; NOAA-National Weather Service & Alaska River Forecast Center; North Slope Science Initiative; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Fairbanks; US Army Corps of Engineers; US Coast Guard; and the US Geological Survey.

Participants were asked to fill out a pre-workshop survey. The information provided was used for planning and development of the workshop and may assist in identifying potential future collaborations.

Workshop outcomes will guide research planning and implementation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks on snow, ice and permafrost with the goal of meeting the state’s research, training and information needs.