Item: Using Thermal Imaging to Verify Avalanche Control Results
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Title: Using Thermal Imaging to Verify Avalanche Control Results
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Mark Saurer [ Utah Dept of Transportation Avalanche Safety, Alta, UT, USA ]
- Damian Jackson [ Utah Dept of Transportation Avalanche Safety, Alta, UT, USA ]
- Bill Nalli [ Utah Dept of Transportation Avalanche Safety, Alta, UT, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: As the population of the Salt Lake Valley and popularity of backcountry skiing in the Wasatch continues to grow, so do the logistic difficulties of control missions on avalanche paths above highways. On any given morning after a storm, ski touring parties can be out in the starting zones well before sunrise. Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) avalanche forecasters utilize many various methods to alert the public of impending backcountry closures and control work. UDOT forecasters tested thermal imaging devices for the 2015-16 season. Field tests with infrared radiation thermography (IRT) allowed forecasters at the gun mount and on the road to scan for heat signatures of ski tourers. During testing, UDOT forecasters realized another powerful capability of IRT: in darkness, low light or flat light conditions, they could clearly see the thermal signatures of artillery placements and detonations as well as any control results. There are limitations to thermal imaging; intense storms or thick clouds mask the subtle differences in heat produced by skiers or avalanches. Further, heat signatures from trees, rocks and other natural features can be mistaken for skiers or hide skiers. Nonetheless, UDOT forecasters intend to continue to use IRT as another tool to enhance their highway avalanche safety program.
Object ID: ISSW16_O2.02.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: thermal imaging, avalanche control, IRT
Page Number(s): 39-44
Subjects: wasatch range ski areas avalanche control infrared radiation thermography
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