Item: Infrasound Detection of Avalanches, A New Approach on Managing Avalanche Risks
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Title: Infrasound Detection of Avalanches, A New Approach on Managing Avalanche Risks
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Arnold Kogelnig [ Wyssen Avalanche Control, Reichenbach, Switzerland ]
- Giacomo Ulivieri [ Item s.r.l., Firenze, Italy ]
- Emanule Marchetti [ Item s.r.l., Firenze, Italy ]
- Samuel Wyssen [ Wyssen Avalanche Control, Reichenbach, Switzerland ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: The Austrian state road Silvretta Straße B188 is located in the avalanche-exposed Paznaun Valley. During the winter this road is an important transport link, but has to be closed regularly due to high avalanche risk. Within a pilot-project seven avalanche towers (remote controlled avalanche releasing systems working with explosives) together with a radar unit for avalanche detection, were installed in 2011, in order to protect one key section of this road, that is endangered by two avalanche paths. Additionally, in 2012 an infrasound array consisting of 5 sensors was installed in a forest close to the radar unit. Both detection systems are principally used for examining the effectiveness of explosions in case of poor visibility and at night, but also for information about spontaneous avalanche activity. Over the first two winters the radar detected avalanches very reliable. Preliminary results after the first winter with the infrasound array showed that medium and large sized avalanches could be detected and located by the array. Furthermore this project showed, that the combination of controlled avalanche release with detection tools, could significantly minimize avalanche risk.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P4-58.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: infrasound, radar, detection, artificial avalanche release
Page Number(s): 1388-1393
Subjects: artificial avalanche release techniques avalanche risk management infrasound monitoring
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