Avalanche forecasting is based on the availability of data measured on site about atmospheric weather and snowcover. This handbook is mainly dedicated to operators who carry out data survey on behalf of regional or provincial avalanche services. However, professionals who operate in the field can also find useful elements for planning and managing preventive control systems in ski areas or in other territories exposed to avalanche risk.

The handbook includes:

• a review of the main meteorological and snow parameters, such as the description of all related measurement instruments and observation systems;
• methods for data coding and representation according to current international standards;
• a detailed description of the types of stations used in the data collection networks;
• the survey systems and procedures adopted by avalanche forecasting services supporting AINEVA;
• some basic elements for the assessment of risks connected with the survey work.