Various avalanche detection systems bring great additional benefits
Last winter, various technologies for avalanche and people detection were realized in cooperation with different partners.
LARA® – Long Range Avalanche Radar for monitoring avalanches at distances of up to 2 km. One of these Doppler radar systems is installed in the Engadine in order to be able to check the result of the remote-controlled blasting.
SARA® – Short Range Avalanche Radar with a detection range of around 300 m are installed directly on the avalanche tower. Newly installed last winter were a system in Saas Fee and in Blitzingen (Goms). Both systems detected and indicated avalanches.IDA® – Infrasound Detection of Avalanches four systems were installed in Switzerland and two in Norway. Avalanches produce infrasound signals depending on the type of avalanche and the flow velocity. These can be evaluated for the detection of avalanches.PETRA® – People Tracking Radar one was installed in Val Bever in the Engadine to ensure that no persons are exposed to controlled released avalanches if visibility is poor. A second system was used in the ski area of Zermatt where, before blasting, it is important to ensure that no skiers or hikers are in the avalanche-prone areas below the remote-controlled avalanche towers. This facility is to be expanded to include additional radar sites for the coming season.