Avalanche Detection Overview
Modern remote-controlled blasting installations allow triggering even during snowfall or in the night if necessary. Naturally, with this benefit, the requirements for detection systems that are independent of visibility for verification of successful blasting are also increasing. Furthermore, when avalanches are registered, alarms can be set off and transport routes blocked with traffic lights as well as general information collected about avalanche activity, which could give important indications for avalanche warning. Thanks to technological advances in recent years, reliable and low-maintenance systems for monitoring and alarming are available:
Overview of avalanche detection Wyssen:
- LIA® 3D Laser measurement of changes in the snow accumulations in the avalanche release area
- GINA® Geophone sensing units monitor avalanche activities in specific avalanche paths
- IDA® Monitoring of larger areas form a central location
- LARA® Systems for specific and exact monitoring of individual avalanche paths
- PETRA® to monitor endangered areas in order to make sure no people are exposed to controlled released avalanches
The data are visualized, documented and archived on the web-based platform WAC.3® and gives the avalanche commission a simplified overview as a basis for decision-making.
LIA® Laser Impulse Snow Height Acquistion
3D Laser measurement of changes in the snow accumulations in the avalanche release area
GINA® Geophones in Avalanches
Enables the monitoring of avalanche activities in specific avalanche paths
LARA® Long Range Avalanche Radar
Systems for specific and exact monitoring of individual avalanche paths
IDA®Infrasound Detection System
Large area monitoring for the verification of the avalanche forecast and avalanche control as well as an early warning index when the general avalanche activity is rising
PETRA® People Tracking Radar
To monitor endangered areas in order to make sure no people are exposed to controlled released avalanches if visibility is poor
Application and Comparison Detections systems
| CATEGORY | PREVENTIVE AVALANCHE TRIGGERING | ALARM SYSTEMS | AVALANCHE WARNING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection system | Verification of the releasing result | Closing traffic lines in case of an event | Verification of the avalanche forecast |
| LIA® Laser Impulse Snow Height Acquisition | very good | n.a. | possible |
| GINA® Geophones in Avalanches | good | very good | possible |
| IDA® Infrasound Detection | depends on distance | n.a. | very good |
| LARA® Long Range Avalanche Radar | good | very good | possible |
| Mechanical Systems: Rip cord, rope with pendulums | very good |
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