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Continuous Snow-Cover Monitoring and Avalanche Detection with a Novel Sensor Array Box.
Markus Hoffmann1, Michael Brauner2, Christian Rachoy2
1Hoffmann-Consult, 1230 Vienna, Austria.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 14, 2026
Summary
A new sensor system, peakr, monitors snowpack conditions in real-time on avalanche slopes. This system provides crucial data for improved avalanche risk assessment and early warnings, enhancing safety in mountainous regions.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Environmental Monitoring
- Natural Hazard Management
Background:
- Snow avalanches present significant risks to mountainous communities and infrastructure.
- Current avalanche risk assessments depend on regional bulletins, forecasts, and expert knowledge.
- There is a need for enhanced in situ data on snowpack and avalanche conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel sensor system for real-time monitoring of avalanche slopes.
- To improve the accuracy and timeliness of avalanche risk assessments.
- To provide data for enhanced understanding of snowpack dynamics and avalanche formation.
Main Methods:
- Deployment of a novel sensor box array (peakr) with multiple sensor units on key avalanche slopes.
- Continuous measurement of temperature, humidity, position, and snowpack movement.
- Data transmission via LoRaWAN and GSM, with automated analysis and alert system.
Main Results:
- The peakr system successfully collected continuous in situ data on snowpack conditions.
- Automated analysis identified potential avalanche events, triggering timely alerts.
- Data from the Arlberg ski resort in winter 2023/2024 provided valuable insights, validated by webcam imagery.
Conclusions:
- The peakr sensor array offers a promising approach for real-time avalanche hazard monitoring.
- Enhanced snowpack data improves the reliability of avalanche risk assessments and early warning systems.
- This technology has the potential to significantly improve safety measures in avalanche-prone areas.
