Snow observations (include stability analysis) are the most important part of avalanche forecasting. First purpose of snow observations is tracing of physical and nivological properties of snow cover to reach the critical levels. All types of snow stability methods are made in open areas (see figures 5 and 6 from question 3).
Mainly conventional meteorological observations and several in-situ observations are used to predict the possibility of avalanches by a network of professional snow pack observers, which have to be constantly trained.
All snow and weather data gathered within a certain area is analysed at special data-processing centres (such as avalanche centres, hydro-meteorological centres etc.) that are responsible for writing public avalanche bulletins; those bulletins identify, through a standardized danger scale, zones with different avalanche hazard (or risk, according to the adopted terminology). The bulletins are then publicized through all possible means (such as internet, mobile phones, radio, TV, leaflets etc.) so that the majority of people interested may read them before going out.
