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Item: An automated alarm and warning system for the Bisgletscher icefall, Switzerland, using a 5 km Avalanche Radar and a High-Resolution deformation Camera

    • Title: An automated alarm and warning system for the Bisgletscher icefall, Switzerland, using a 5 km Avalanche Radar and a High-Resolution deformation Camera

      Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria

      Authors:

      • Lorenz Meier  [ Geopraevent AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland ]
      • Mylène Jacquemart  [ Geopraevent AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland ]
      • Richard Steinacher  [ Geopraevent AG, Technoparkstrasse 1, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland ]
      • Martin Funk  [ ETH Zurich, Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland ]
      • André Burkard  [ geoformer igp AG, Sebastiansplatz 1, 3900 Brig-Glis, Switzerland ]
      • Evelyn Zenklusen Mutter  [ geoformer igp AG, Sebastiansplatz 1, 3900 Brig-Glis, Switzerland ]
      • Martin Proksch  [ geoformer igp AG, Sebastiansplatz 1, 3900 Brig-Glis, Switzerland ]
      • Norbert Carlen  [ Canton of Valais, Cours d'eau, géologie et dangers naturels, 1950 Sion, Switzerland ]
      • Pascal Stoebener  [ Canton of Valais, Cours d'eau, géologie et dangers naturels, 1950 Sion, Switzerland ]

      Date: 2018-10-07

      Abstract: We presents results from a novel warning and alarm system aimed at predicting and detecting ice avalanches starting on the steep icefall on Bis glacier near the municipality of Randa, canton of Valais, Switzerland. Every 15-20 years, depending on snow conditions, avalanches starting in the icefall reach the valley bottom, where they impact road and railway. Operational since 2017, the system uses two highresolution cameras to measure the surface velocities in the icefall to predict breaking off of large ice volumes. In addition, a Doppler radar system with a range of 5 km detects the moving avalanches after they have released, regardless of whether they consist of snow, ice, or a combination of both. The system is set up to automatically close the road and stop trains in the valley, a feature that will be fully implemented in late 2018.

      Object ID: ISSW2018_O07.1.pdf

      Language of Article: English

      Presenter(s):

      Keywords:

      Page Number(s): 589-593

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