Problem
State DOTs are always looking for ways to better prepare for winter storms/seasons, but this is a difficult proposition because tools and software programs to provide this kind of information are not commonplace.
The Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) is a simple and straightforward tool that was developed by the Midwestern Regional Climate Center using nonproprietary data that is available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for numerous locations within each state.
This project modified this tool to make it more useful to state DOTs as they prepare for future winter storms/seasons.
Objective
The objective of this project was to expand on the current AWSSI tool to add more stations and provide features to allow for winter severity projections and connect winter severity to winter maintenance costs.
Results
A simple tool that states can use to conduct their own calculations in order to relate storm severity to other factors, such as winter maintenance costs.
Clear Roads Project 20-07, AWSSI Enhancements Phase 2, builds upon the enhancements completed during Project 16-02.
Tool
ACCUMULATED WINTER SEASON SEVERITY INDEX
The final webinar took place on February 26, 2019.