DESIGN OF A SNOW AVALANCHE TELEMETRY SYSTEM

Abstract

This paper was prepared as part of the team design competition for a graduate level course given at the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand. It presents a high level design of a snow avalanche telemetry system. The goal of the system is to provide data to better assess avalanche risk, and to assist in designing more effective protection measures in avalanche prone areas. The primary conditions monitored are air pressure, snow density, snow depth, snow temperature, wind velocity, wind direction, and ambient air temperature. All critical aspects of the telemetering system have been specified, including the sensors, transmitter/receiver, and telemetry frame design. Aspects of the system packaging and the link budget which are unique to the alpine environment are discussed.