Item: Advancements In Avalanche Mitigation and Monitoring – Mt. Superior, Utah
-
-
Title: Advancements In Avalanche Mitigation and Monitoring – Mt. Superior, Utah
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Théo St. Pierre Ostrander [ Geoprevent, Zurich, Switzerland ]
- Steven Clark [ Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake City, Utah ]
- Laurie Delaney [ Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake City, Utah ]
- Maxence Carrel [ Geoprevent, Zurich, Switzerland ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Mt. Superior, situated within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah, United States, generates avalanches that pose a significant hazard to sections of State Route 210 through Little Cottonwood Canyon. The proximity of Little Cottonwood Canyon to Salt Lake City facilitates extensive ski area and backcountry access, resulting in substantial vehicle traffic passing under Mt. Superior. Historically, Mt. Superior has posed operational challenges as significant seasonal snowfall combined with paths that reach the road each winter makes hazard management and mitigation a dynamic process. These combined factors have influenced the progression of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) avalanche mitigation and monitoring plan, which incorporates a range of advanced technologies and systems. The primary focus of Mt. Superior mitigation measures is on destructive avalanches that may impact the roadway and infrastructure. However, these efforts do not address the full local avalanche hazard, and risk remains for backcountry users. The mitigation strategy has transitioned from using long-range artillery to Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS), which are supported by a comprehensive monitoring system. This transition has significantly reduced the exposure of inhabited buildings to overhead artillery shells while also supporting centralized management of event data and mitigation management. This monitoring system includes the automatic detection of avalanches and people using Doppler radar, which allows for detection and monitoring to occur independent of weather and time of day. Event and person detection work by analyzing waves that are reflected by an object and received by the radar at a different frequency than the original signal. The frequency shift allows the radar to measure the avalanche's velocity, with additional processing techniques based on the travel time, determine its position. Event detection facilitates RACS verification and supports forecasting efforts. The people detection component supports verifying that areas subject to active mitigation measures are clear of human presence. This combined approach of mitigation, forecasting, and monitoring exemplifies an integrated, state-of-the-art method to manage complex avalanche hazards in heavily trafficked corridors.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.6.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099061
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Theo St Pierre Ostrander
Keywords: Avalanche radar, Mitigation, Monitoring
Page Number(s): 222 - 228
-