Methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow structure and stability

Abstract

The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of a layer of snow as the sensing unit is being driven into the layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including resistance to penetration, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer temperature according to depth based on the sensed temperature. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 718,471 filed Oct. 25, 2012 and 61 / 822,284 filed May 10, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to a portable device for assessing the structure and stability of a layer of snow.BACKGROUND[0003]Every year, hundreds of people around the world die in avalanches because they lack crucial information about the stability of the snowpack Annual avalanche fatalities have increased by 220% over the past two decades, fueled by a rapidly growing interest in backcountry sports, now the fastest growing segment of the snow sports industry. Moreover, avalanche risk is not limited to recreationalists, but affects the military, researchers, search and rescue personnel, transportation authorities, and alpine mining operations alike.[0004]Current approaches to avalanche safety are reactive. Beacons, probes, shove...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed at an apparatus for measuring snow structure and stability. The apparatus can include a pole having a length, a first end and a second end; a sensing unit located at the first end of the pole, the sensing unit including a head shaped for probing a layer of snow, the sensing unit configured to sense a temperature of the layer of snow; and a

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, avalanche risk is not limited to recreationalists, but affects the military, researchers, search and rescue personnel, transportation authorities, and alpine mining operations alike.

With a fatality rate greater than 50% for those buried in an avalanche, t

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