GLACIER PARK AUTOMATIC DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A VHF telemetry network linking Data Collection Platforms (DCP’s) to a master station was developed by Bristol Aerospace and installed in the Canadian Rockies for the Snow Research and Avalanche Warning Section (SRAWS) of Environment Canada. The master station minicomputer uses multi-tasking capabilities to automatically collect meteorological data from the remote mountain-top satellite sites and to compile and display this data for the SRAWS avalanche forecasting team. The real-time system updates its data base with information from the satellites every 10 minutes. The ‘user-friendly’ capabilities include an automatic analysis of present and past telemetry data to determine if critical unstable conditions exist in the upper snow pack.