Item: SITE SUITABILITY, PERFORMANCE, AND OPERATIONAL LESSONS FROM SIX YEARS OF INFRASOUND AVALANCHE MONITORING
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Title: SITE SUITABILITY, PERFORMANCE, AND OPERATIONAL LESSONS FROM SIX YEARS OF INFRASOUND AVALANCHE MONITORING
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Jerry Mock [ Snowbound Solutions LLC, Boise, ID, USA ]
- Scott Havens [ Snowbound Solutions LLC, Boise, ID, USA ]
- Aaron Careaga [ Snowbound Solutions LLC, Boise, ID, USA ]
- Clark Corey [ Snowbound Solutions LLC, Boise, ID, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: Infrasound monitoring uses low-frequency acoustic signals, typically below 20 Hz, to detect and characterize avalanche activity over operationally useful distances. This makes it useful in remote terrain and during periods when direct observation is limited by weather, darkness, distance, or exposure. Infrasound carries great distances due to its low frequency, so arrays can often be placed in locations which are close, but less likely to be destructively hit by an avalanche. As infrasound monitoring becomes more common in operational avalanche programs, clearer guidance is needed on where the method is well suited and where limitations should be expected. Infrasound is generally best suited for detecting larger, energetic avalanches, typically D2 or greater, and for supporting explosive mitigation work with howitzers, hand charges, and similar tools. It can be especially useful in poor visibility, remote terrain without available power, highway corridors, and settings where multiple avalanche paths need to be monitored. Current challenges in signal analysis are focused on detections of small events, slow wet avalanches, and locations with significant cultural noise. Successful operational use depends on careful system design and implementation. Detection confidence is influenced by distance to the avalanche path, terrain geometry, terrain shielding, path orientation, and array placement. Because infrasound sensors record low-frequency sound from all nearby sources, background noise from wind, traffic, aircraft, artillery, construction, and ski area operations can affect both detection confidence and interpretation. Drawing on six years of operational experience and 24 deployed arrays, we address practical considerations including power, telemetry, maintenance, site access, data health, and user expectations. We focus on two questions: what makes a site suitable for infrasound monitoring, and what strengths and limitations should be expected for a given application? By describing what has worked, what has not, and what conditions affect performance, we aim to support more informed use of infrasound in avalanche programs.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P3.45.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099193
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Jerry Mock
Keywords: infrasonic, avalanche detection, remote monitoring, site suitability, avalanche mitigation
Page Number(s): 1905 - 1910
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