Measurement of dynamic properties of snow avalanches
Road maintenance - surveillance of dangerous avalanche slopes - early
detection of natural avalanche events
Verification of artificial triggered avalanches
The INW Avalanche radar is a Pulse – Doppler – Radar. Short microwave pulses
are sent out and the received echoes are measured. Any movement in the avalanche
track is detected by the doppler
frequency shift of the echo signal. Out of this frequency shift the velocity
of the target is calculated. Our Pulse - Doppler - Radar also allows a range
dependent speed measurement. The target area is divided into discreet units
– the so called range gates.
The INW Avalanche radar measures up to 80 range gates at the same time.
Purchased Parts Package:
The package contains:
Aluminium case with radar hardware, heating and industrial computer
for data processing and controlling
Antenna with heatable radom & RF coax cable (connection between
radar hardware and antenna)
Software for the Client PC (Windows / Linux Version)
The radar hardware is mounted in an aluminium case with a 19'' EMC anti
vibration frame. This case is IP65 (in accordance with DIN 40050 / IEC 529)
tested. It can be installed on a pipe mast or in a shelter. This case makes
the system very flexible and it is possible to use it as a transportable version
for scientific studies. Figure 1 gives an overview of the INW avalanche radar
components.
Possible applications for the INW avalanche radar:
The following picture (Fig.2) shows radar "Himmeleck". It is located at
"Straßenbauhof Alpe Rauz" at the
L197 Arlberg Straße. Our radar system is operated by the road maintenance
staff and verifies artificial triggered avalanche events in this area. We
use beamswitching to cover 8 different avalanche tracks and triggering areas.
At some places in Austria main roads cross avalanche threatened areas. Only
the blockade of the respective street segment can guarantee a secure protection
against avalanche incidents. This decision is made by the responsible avalanche
committee. To guarantee even more security, an INW Avalanche radar may be
used. Our radar detects the avalanche at the cracking-area and switches traffic
lights on and off. (see Fig. 3)
Figure 4 shows a typical situation for road protection in austria - this
radar is installed at the B145 between Trautenfels and Bad Mitterndorf. The
system detects natural avalanche events. The avalanche track is the east side
of "Mount Grimming". In case of an avalanche event, the road B145 is closed
by switching traffic lights to red. This system is a stand alone system -
measurements are done permanently during the avalanche season without any
userinteraction. The road maintenance
authority and the avalanche
committee in this area are using the online data view to evaluate the
current avalanche situation.
