EU - SATSIE - Avalanche Studies and Model Validation in Europe

The SATSIE project will contribute to sustainable development in Europe's mountain regions through (i) substantially improved tools for hazard mapping; (ii) design criteria for protection dams and; (iii) low-cost radar systems for monitoring and managing avalanche hazard in critical locations. The emphasis is on improving the physical basis of dynamical avalanche models, in particular on modelling the flow regimes and the rates of snow entrainment and suspension. Experiments are carried out at full-scale avalanche test sites and in laboratory chutes. Previously developed impact models will be validated through measurements at full-scale dams. For research and monitoring purposes, novel sensors measuring important parameters inside the flowing avalanche are developed. Intensive collaboration between partners and dissemination of results through handbooks and courses will bring increased competence to all countries concerned by avalanches. The task of the institute is the development of a Pulsed Doppler-Radar to measure the velocity of the avalanches with spatial discrimination. This radar will be a new and cheaper version of the already existing avalanche radars used in Austria. Furthermore the institute participates in the development of FMCW-radar sensors which will be installed along the avalanche track.