What kind of map is this?
For the nearest region being viewed, this map overlays the current ava-rose colors on the terrain by aspect, elevation, and slope angle. It is critical that the user understand that there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to support the danger rating color that is painted on any location of the map. The ava-rose itself is an approximation and a generalization, and therefore, so is the coloring of the map. The colors of the map are an educated guess. This map might be useful for at-home trip planning, but is not necessarily useful in the field. This map offers a way to visualize the ava-rose information in context.
How do I use the map?
Zoom, pan and tilt as prescribed by the question mark icon, once clicked upon, in the upper-right-hand corner of the screen. In the upper-left-hand corner you will find a few controls and read-outs. The image layer may be used to show satellite imagery or a topological map with contour lines and names of places and terrain features. The slope radius controls how much terrain is shaded about slopes of exactly 38 degrees. For example, if the slope radius is 10, then slopes between 28 and 48 degrees are shaded according to the ava-rose by aspect and elevation. The slope alpha parameter controls the transparency of all ava-rose shading made on the terrain. The region field shows the nearest region being viewed and is a hyper-link to the current forecast for that region. The height, location, slope angle and aspect read-outs give their respective bits of information for the location directly under the mouse cursor. The ava-rose field shows the current ava-rose image for the nearest region being viewed on the map.
The Pow-Proj Trails field is an experimental feature. When checked, Powder Project trail data is overlayed on the map as labeled icons. Click on the icons to jump to their beta-pages.
The Custom Ava-Rose field can be used to upload your own ava-rose image to use in coloring the terrain. The image must be of the same dimensions as that typically used on the UAC website, and the rose in the image must be laid out exactly the same. Save a copy of any ava-rose image file to your local computer, use an image manipulation program (e.g., MS Paint) to change the colors on the rose, then upload this file by using the "Choose File" button. Following is an example image you could use.
Reload the page to remove any custom ava-rose image coloring the map.
Disclaimer
Use this information at your own risk. No guarantee of usefulness for any particular purpose is given. The programmer, as well intentioned as he may have been, is not liable for negative consequences, if any, of decisions made based upon the information provided here. This website is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the Utah Avalanche Center.
Known Issues
A list of known issues with the map is maintained at the following link: https://github.com/spencerparkin/UtahAvaMap/issues. Please use this page to report any bugs with the software. Any comments or questions can be directed to spencertparkin@gmail.com.