Terrestrial Laser Scanning for Avalanche Forecasting

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Project Overview

Researchers at Montana State University’s Subzero Research Laboratory (SRL) are exploring the potential for terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) to detect avalanche risk in real-time. An avalanche early warning system could significantly reduce the costs associated with shutting down mountain roadways and ski areas as well as save lives.

In early December 2019, UNAVCO field engineer Keith Williams brought UNAVCO’s Riegl VZ-6000 TLS instrument to SRL and provided two days of training in the lab and in the field to SRL researchers. The researchers have since used the instrument to collect data on various snowpack conditions on-site as well as at multiple outdoor test sites. Typically, UNAVCO has supported TLS work to produce data on characteristics such as slope angles and snow depth, with repeat scans. This research, however, collects information on the intensity of the laser return with the goal to characterize surface properties of the snowpack including grain type, grain size, and density.

Prior research has shown that many of these snowpack properties can be measured from laser returns with a scanner using a wavelength of 1064 nm. The VZ-6000 is the only instrument in the UNAVCO pool that uses this wavelength, but is not eye safe at distances under 295 m. This required a change in the original plans to scan at populated ski resorts. Fortunately, Yellowstone Club invited the team to test in an area of the resort that they could close to all personnel.

Project Outcome

The researchers are testing TLS instruments for accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio as a function of snow depth, density, grain-type, grain-size, surface characteristics, and angle of incidence. These measurements will guide software development for snow remote sensing, data interpretation, and data analytics, as well as being able to provide avalanche forecasters with new insights from real-time TLS data.

Project Information

• Principal Investigator(s): Kevin Hammonds and Sean Yaw, Montana State University Bozeman
• UNAVCO Staff: Keith Williams
• Dates: Dec 4-5, 2019, and ongoing without engineer support through Spring 2020
• Location: MSU Subzero Research Laboratory (SRL) and various field locations
• Funding Source: Department of Transportation
• Map of Montana State University

Related Links

• Montana State University Subzero Research Laboratory
• Four-day Snoqualmie Pass closure cost $27.9 million, Spokane Journal of Business
• Watch an avalanche devour a Colorado highway in seconds, The Washington Post