Practical operational implementation of Teton Pass avalanche monitoring infrasound system.

PDFTech ReportFHWA-WY-09/02FAvalanchesForecastingInfrasoundLow frequencyMonitoringSensorsAcoustic detectorsReal time informationWyomingWyoming. Dept. of TransportationScott, ErnieInter-Mountain Laboratories, Inc.United States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionHighway snow avalanche forecasting programs typically rely on weather and field observations to make road closure and hazardevaluations. Recently, infrasonic avalanche monitoring technology has been developed for practical use near Teton Pass, WY toprovide another tool for Wyoming State Highway 22 technicians in their operational forecasting and decision making. The technologydetects low frequency sound waves produced by avalanches with automated near real-time processing provided to facilitate an alarm.Monitoring system operation provides information to confirm results from avalanche control work, notification of natural avalancheevents, and verification of explosive detonations. The ability to monitor avalanche activity in poor visibility and confirm avalanche controlwork results are powerful tools for assessing highway avalanche hazard and has changed the way WYDOT operates in its mission toprovide a safe and efficient transportation route