Avalanche Seismic Monitoring for Automated High-Resolution Forecasting and Characterization

Snow avalanches are the deadliest natural hazards in the Swiss Alps and cause significant economic losses. Where and when avalanches will occur, as well as how large and destructive they will be, are critical challenges in avalanche forecasting. Unfortunately, providing precise answers to these questions remains unattainable as predicting  avalanches is limited by current experience-based forecasting practices and subjective data.  

This project aims to pioneer the use of a unique avalanche database, combining over 20 years of extensive seismic data with new high-resolution DAS measurements acquired at the Vallée de la Sionne test site in Switzerland. The goal is to establish a new forecasting model and improve our understanding of avalanche initiation processes and flow characteristics. The outcomes of this project are crucial for enhancing avalanche forecasting, validating novel numerical models, and contributing to the development of next-generation early warning systems.