Item: Avalanche Information System for Protection of Roads: The BONNEVAL-SUR-ARC Pilot Project, Savoy, France
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Title: Avalanche Information System for Protection of Roads: The BONNEVAL-SUR-ARC Pilot Project, Savoy, France
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2000 International Snow Science Workshop, October 1-6, Big Sky, Montana
Authors:
- Alain Duclos [ Transmontagne ]
- Leon Personnnaz et Isabelle Rivals [ ESPCI - Equipe Statistiques Appliquees ]
Date: 2000
Abstract: Every winter, avalanches close the access road to the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc in Savoy, France. Large airborne avalanches have deposited up to ten meters of debris on the roadway. During the winter of 1999-2000, the department of Savoy tested a system to improve road closures decisions thereby reducing the avalanche risk to motorists on this road. Avalanche hazard prediction based solely on the analysis of snowpack factors was deemed to be inadequate. So, the pilot project also incorporated factors commonly used by mountaineers, namely weather factors and direct evidence of avalanche activity. Modified field instrumentation, a data collection system and the application of statistical analysis were incorporated into the pilot program.In addition to conventional measurements such as precipitation, temperature and wind, blowing snow and natural avalanche activity were recorded acoustically (systems Flowcapt and Arfang). In addition, on site data collection of start zones conditions were made on skis. An information system (grouping of geographic information system and data base) was developed to capture all data collected. The data, once captured, were subjected to statistical analysis to establish a hierarchy of key predictive factors. These factors were then used as inputs of neural network predictors. The results of this pilot program in avalanche hazard prediction are discussed.
Object ID: issw-2000-158-166.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche forecasting, roads security, information system, neural networks
Page Number(s): 158-166
Subjects: bonneval-sur-arc pilot project avalanche forecasting avalanche information system
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