International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Snow Avalanches Mapping – Evaluation of a New Approach

• • Title: Snow Avalanches Mapping – Evaluation of a New Approach

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013

    Authors:

    • PaweÅ‚ Chrustek  [ Jagiellonian University, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Kraków, Poland ]  [ Anna Pasek Foundation, BÄ™dzin, Poland ]
    • Natalia Kolecka  [ Jagiellonian University, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Kraków, Poland ]
    • Yves Bühler  [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]

    Date: 2013-10-07

    Abstract: Recent snow avalanche hazard mapping tools and procedures offer methods to improve the accuracy and reliability of risk and hazard localization. The validation of numerical mass movement models mainly depends on recorded historical avalanche data sets such as avalanche outlines and release volumes. These data sets are often unavailable or of an unknown accuracy. Avalanche characteristics such as release area, flow height and flow path, runout distance and total amount of released snow mass are essential parameters for proper calibration and evaluation of numerical simulation tools. Incorrectly calibrated models can influence decision-making which directly affects human safety. The acquisition of high quality data regarding observed avalanche events is often hindered by the high risk permanently present in avalanche terrain. This paper describes a promising method based on photogrammetry and computer vision and also introduces AVALMAPPER software that allows using a single terrestrial photograph with unknown exterior and interior orientation parameters to accurately map avalanche outlines. We evaluate this method by comparing its results with GPS measurements made in the field. We discuss the optimization of measurement efficiency, costs and human safety.

    Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P2-55.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Unknown

    Keywords: snow avalanche mapping, risk and hazard localization, avalanche outlines, historical data, avalmapper

    Page Number(s): 750-755

    Subjects: avalanche risk avalanche hazard avalanche hazard mapping

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