What is AVA?
The word “Avalanche” is at the front of every backcountry skier and boarder’s mind. These terrifying phenomena have claimed an average of 26 lives a year in the United States. My brother is a ski instructor in Utah, and he enjoys the occasional trip out-of-bounds on his days off. I made AVA to help keep him safe. Now, I’d like to share it with others to make their backcountry days as safe as possible.
Avalanche centers around the world have been issuing daily avalanche danger assessments to help keep backcountry recreators safe. These forecasts often use a tool called the “danger rose,” a compass rose that is color coded with the avalanche danger for different aspects and elevations. AVA is an illuminated, 3D danger rose to keep this vital information at the center of your backcountry preparations. AVA connects to the internet and automatically retrieves the most recent forecast for your region.
As cliché as it sounds, the most effective way to survive an avalanche is to avoid being caught in one. AVA is not a substitute for thorough preparation and proper equipment like beacons and airbags. AVA is designed to make you aware of the current conditions, track trends throughout the season, and make it easier to visualize the conditions on different aspects and elevations.
AVA isn’t going to magically save you from an avalanche, but it’s another tool in the box to keep your backcountry days as safe as possible. And she looks awfully nice while doing it.
How does AVA Work?
AVA has two versions so far. Version 1 uses a Raspberry Pi Zero W as AVA’s core processer, while Version 2 uses an ESP32-S3 microcontroller. You can easily tell which version you have by looking at the back of AVA’s base. If there is a big red button next to the power input, you have a Version 1 AVA. If there’s no button, you have a Version 2.
Both versions of AVA are programmed to get and display the daily avalanche forecast for your region. This requires your local avalanche center to issue a machine-readable forecast in the form of an API – like this excellent API from the Utah Avalanche Center.
Can I Buy AVA?
We are not currently selling AVA.
Can I Make AVA?
If you really want an AVA, you can make your own! Her is what you’ll need:
Does AVA Have a Manual?
She sure does!