Item: MOBILE DRONE DOCKING STATIONS TO SUPPORT SITE-SPECIFIC AVALANCHE OBSERVATIONS AND FORECASTING
-
-
Title: MOBILE DRONE DOCKING STATIONS TO SUPPORT SITE-SPECIFIC AVALANCHE OBSERVATIONS AND FORECASTING
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Halgeir Dahle [ The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norway ]
- Ruben Jacobsen [ The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norway ]
- Knut Inge Orset [ The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norway ]
- Tore Humstad [ The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), Norway ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: During periods of elevated avalanche hazard, field observations may be restricted due to safety concerns, limited accessibility, or rapidly changing conditions. This can increase uncertainty in decisions related to road closures, reopening, and emergency response. This paper presents the design, technical configuration, and operational use of a trailer-mounted drone docking station developed to increase the availability of site-specific avalanche observations along avalanche-exposed roads. The mobile system enables repeated, remotely operated flights without permanent infrastructure and can be rapidly relocated according to operational needs and changing avalanche conditions. The station combines a UAS with high-resolution RGB and thermal imaging, a web-camera, airspace monitoring, independent power supply, and remote communications. During the 2025/2026 winter season, 85 UAV missions were conducted from two mobile drone stations, resulting in 38 observations published in Regobs natural hazard database. The imagery documented recent avalanche activity, controlled avalanche releases, release areas, deposition areas, and impacts on road infrastructure. The results indicate that mobile drone stations can complement weather stations, remote cameras, field observations, and snowpack information by increasing the frequency and availability of direct, site-specific observations while reducing the need for personnel to enter avalanche terrain. Mobile drone stations therefore have potential as a complementary observation system for avalanche forecasting, road management, and emergency response.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P3.21.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099124
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Halgeir Dahle
Keywords: site-specific forecasting, road avalanche warning, mobile drone station, autonomous
Page Number(s): 1072 - 1077
-