Avalanche warning - Snow meteorology

For national and regional avalanche warning and action planning, timely information on the condition and development of the snowpack is central. Automatic nivo-meteorological measuring stations are an important source of information here, as they provide standardised data from various locations around the clock and in all weathers. Such nivo-meteorological measuring networks consist of several stations that collect and transmit complementary information on weather and snow cover. We build, install and operate autonomous, low-maintenance stations for national avalanche warning in Switzerland(MESSNETZ: IMIS) and for regional avalanche services worldwide. These stations have proven themselves in cost-efficient operation for more than 20 years. We currently operate over 200 nivo-meteorological measuring stations worldwide as well as the infrastructure for their data transmission.

Station types

Our measuring networks for avalanche warning usually contain several station types at suitable locations. Only by combining information such as the amount of new snow, wind conditions, snow load and the conditions of the snowpack can a comprehensive assessment of the avalanche situation be made. We distinguish between the following three types of nivo-meteorological stations:

Wind measurements in the summit and ridge area are an important parameter for avalanche warning. Our wind measuring stations are designed for autonomous operation under extreme conditions and are usually installed on summits to measure an undisturbed wind field.

Important features include:

  • Solar power supply with efficient energy management for long ripening periods.
  • Good lightning protection and extremely robust construction
  • Communication via UHF radio or mobile radio
  • Measured variables (standard): - Wind (strength, direction, peak) - Air temperature and humidity
  • Optional: Heated wind sensor with additional solar power supply

Our snow monitoring stations are typically installed in undisturbed flat areas to provide regionally representative measurements. In certain situations, however, they are also installed on a slope in order to provide specific information on a fracture area. The choice of location, which is as unrestricted as possible, is therefore central to the quality of the measured values. This requirement has been strongly incorporated into the concept of our snow stations:

  • Solar power supply with efficient energy management (even at shady locations).
  • Robust construction (resistant to snow pressure, minor avalanches)
  • Communication via UHF radio or mobile radio
  • Measured variables (standard): - Wind (strength, direction, peak) - Air temperature and humidity - Snow depth - Snow surface temperature - Snow temperature profile - Reflected shortwave radiation - Precipitation (liquid)

From mountain ridges and ridgelines, our snow drift measuring stations reliably provide information on the intensity of snow drifting. With a special acoustic sensor "FlowCapt", developed by the Swiss company IAV Engineering (Link:iav-portal.com), continuous drift measurements are possible on our autonomous stations.

Features:

  • Solar power supply with efficient energy management
  • Simple construction for quick installation
  • Communication via UHF radio or mobile radio
  • Measured variables (standard): - Wind (strength, direction, peak) - Air temperature and humidity - Snow drift in the saltation and suspension layer

Picture gallery: Avalanche warning

IMIS Wind Station Platthorn, Zermatt

IMIS Schneestation Les Collines, Val d'Illiez

Snow drift station after a winter storm

IMIS wind station Lagalb covered by frost

Snow Station Rosa Khutor, Sochi RU

IMIS wind station Hinterrugg with heated wind sensor

Flowcapt station La Bérarde, Isère FR, with optional rain gauge and snow depth sensor

IMIS slope station with remote snow depth measurement, Frasco

Snow station in a copper mine in Chile