Teton Pass, Wyoming Snow Avalanche Infrasound Monitoring System

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Teton Pass, Wyoming Snow Avalanche Infrasound
Monitoring System

• Presented by Ernie Scott
• Inter-Mountain Laboratories, Inc.
• Sheridan, Wyoming
• Research Supported by WYDOT projects
• RS07(203) and RS06(206)

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Project Purpose

• Develop automated monitoring system for use as an
  operational tool in WYDOTs avalanche hazard
  mitigation program
• Compliment explosive snow control efforts
• Provide elusive information valuable to
  operational planning

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Basic Infrasound Facts

• Infrasound is sub audible acoustic energy below
  20 Hz
• Natural infrasound signal sources include
• Avalanches, Wind, Ocean Waves, Tornados, Thunder,
  Meteors, Volcanoes, Animals, etc...
• Artificial infrasound signal sources include
• Explosions, Airplanes, Helicopters, Vehicles,
  Trains, Industrial Activity, etc...
• Some low frequency infrasound signals can
  propagate over long distances

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1/28/02 Alta, Utah Superior Slide
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Wind Induced Sensor Saturation
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Installed Sensor Array Instrumentation
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Teton Pass, WY Practical Application
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Twin Slides, Teton Pass, WY
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Twin Slides, Teton Pass, WY
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Twin Slides Snowboarder Avalanche
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Twin Slides Avalanche Features
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Twin Slides Avalanche and Wind Signals
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Twin Slides Avalanche and Explosive Signals
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Verification of Artillery Ordinance Detonation
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Glory Bowl, Teton Pass, WY
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Glory Bowl, Teton Pass, WY
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12/29/05 Single Glory Array Feature Set
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1/18/06 Single Glory Array Feature Set
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Distributed Array Glory Bowl Avalanche
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Static Geographic View
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Distributed Glory Array Feature Set
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User Interface Software Example
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User Interface Software Example
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Value of Teton Pass Infrasound System

• Provides information affecting operational
  activities and planning
• Identification of Natural Avalanche Events
• Verification of Avalanche Hazard Mitigation
  Results
• Verification of Explosive Ordinance Detonation

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Current/Future Efforts

• Overcome signal path icing issues
• Finalize system configuration
• Transition installation from research form to
  practical orientation
• Document and train
• Utilize as fully functional operational tool

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Other Funding Sources

• Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and
  Atmospheric Administration)
• National Science Foundation