Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (Fraunhofer FHR) in Germany have proven that passive radar using signals from satellite mega-constellations is suitable for avalanche detection.
The increased snowfall in mountainous areas during winter significantly increases the risk of an avalanche. To protect people and infrastructure, avalanche monitoring is critically important.
To prevent an avalanche from occurring, controlled artificial detonations are carried out in the affected area. These trigger the release of huge masses of snow, which thunder down into the valley along a predetermined path.
To confirm that the avalanche was triggered as planned, monitoring equipment is employed using methods such as mechanical wires that break when the avalanche starts, radar technologies for continuous remote monitoring or helicopters that monitor the area during the detonation.
However, all of these methods present some form of disadvantage – mechanical...