High-resolution radar measurements of snow avalanches

• Published in: Geophysical research letters Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 727 - 731
• Main Authors: Vriend, N. M., McElwaine, J. N., Sovilla, B., Keylock, C. J., Ash, M., Brennan, P. V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Blackwell Publishing Ltd 28.02.2013; American Geophysical Union; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Avalanches; Clouds; Doppler radar; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Finishes; imaging; phased array radar; Radar; Radar data; Rheology; Snow; snow avalanche; Snow avalanches; Surges; Tracking; Alps; Central Europe; Switzerland; Europe; Swiss Alps; Surge; Phased array; clouds; slopes; trajectory; drill cores; avalanches; Winter; snow; Radar observation; spatial resolution; Natural hazards; radar methods; high resolution
• ISSN: 0094-8276; 1944-8007
• DOI: 10.1002/grl.50134

Two snow avalanches that occurred in the winter 2010–2011 at Vallée de la Sionne, Switzerland, are studied using a new phased array FMCW radar system with unprecedented spatial resolution. The 5.3 GHz radar penetrates through the powder cloud and reflects off the underlying denser core. Data are recorded at 50 Hz and have a range resolution better than 1 m over the entire avalanche track. We are able to demonstrate good agreement between the radar results and existing measurement systems that record at particular points on the avalanche track. The radar data reveal a wealth of structure in the avalanche and allow the tracking of individual fronts and surges down the slope for the first time. Key Points Validation between our radar results and existing point measurement systems High‐resolution radar allows tracking of fronts and surges from start to finish Velocity linked with topography may be used to measure rheology of snow