How do arctic communities protect themselves from avalanches? | BBC News
Avalanche Risks and Technological Solutions in the Arctic
Overview of Avalanche Threats
- The Arctic region, particularly Longy, faces significant avalanche risks due to heavy snowfall and steep mountains.
- Historical context: A devastating avalanche in 2015 resulted in two fatalities, followed by another incident in 2017 that severely damaged homes.
Protective Measures Implemented
- Physical barriers have been constructed above Longy to mitigate avalanche risks, including a large protective wall.
- An early warning system has been developed using snow sensors and mobile technology, piloted by Telecom firm Telor and the University of Spard.
Technology for Monitoring Snow Depth
- The system employs an ultrasonic transducer that measures snow depth through sound signals, providing a low-cost solution with long-lasting battery life.
- Data collected is transmitted every 10 minutes over a 4G network for real-time analysis by avalanche forecasters.
Impact on Emergency Response
- The data aids emergency teams in assessing avalanche risks and determining timely evacuations; there have been no accidents since 2017.
- Climate change exacerbates these risks as Spard warms six times faster than the global average, leading to increased landslides year-round.
Broader Applications of Technology