Avalanche Protection. Preventive Avalanche Release Avalanche Detection Weather Stations Avalanche Control Service. with temporary measures

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1 EN Avalanche Protection with temporary measures Preventive Avalanche Release Avalanche Detection Weather Stations Avalanche Control Service Wyssen Avalanche Control AG 3713 Reichenbach Switzerland Tel.:

2 Contents 5 Avalanche Tower 13 Basic Principles and Effectiveness 15 Blasting Cableway 17 Avalanche Detection 22 Weather Station 25 Wyssen Risk Solutions 27 Our Partners The Story Preventive Release of Avalanches Task Solution Wyssen Avalanche Control AG Feld Reichenbach Schweiz Tel: avalanche@wyssen.com About us Christian, Samuel and Jakob Wyssen The story of the family enterprise goes back to 1926, when Jakob Wyssen senior, together with his brother purchased a mobile sawmill for wood and began to cut wood directly on location. Afterwards a permanent sawmill was installed in Reichenbach, where the first skyline crane was also developed. This product was so successful, that shortly afterwards wood processing was abandoned completely and the focus was placed solely on the manufacture of skyline crane systems. Over the years innovative products and new developments followed which lead to these systems being operated all over the world in over 60 countries. In the meantime Jakob Wyssen III manages the Wyssen Cableways Ltd and is supervising the openingup of the markets in Eastern Europe, South America and Asia. In 2000, Samuel Wyssen, the grandson of the founder, started up the Wyssen Avalanche Control sector. This specialises in the sector of controlled release of avalanches by remote control. In Samnaun alone, with its many regions exposed to avalanches, over 90 installations safeguard both the transport routes there and also the ski runs as far as the ski arena of Ischgl and Galtur in neighbouring Austria. Zermatt, Davos and St. Moritz as well as Kaprun, Obertauern and Stubai Glacier are just a few of the famous places that rely on avalanche protection from the House of Wyssen. In only 5 years the company has become the market leader in Switzerland and Austria. In the meantime important transport routes in Scandinavia are also being protected by Wyssen avalanche towers from the forces of nature in winter. The intensive social and economic developments in the Alpine region and the associated proliferation of infrastructure and settlement areas in the danger zone of avalanches have brought intensive pressure on the members of avalanche control commissions. On the one hand they must guarantee the safety of human lives, but at the same time there is little understanding for closing ski runs and roads or evacuations. For this reason effective avalanche protection systems are vitally important for reliable and cost-effective protection of roads, railways, ski areas, etc. Wyssen Avalanche Control is the market leader in Austria and Switzerland in the sector of preventive release of avalanches and up to the end of 2014 will have installed a total of 290 Wyssen avalanche towers in Europe. Wyssen Avalanche Control has specialised in avalanche protection, focussing on controlled release of avalanches and avalanche detection. Our range of modern, environmentally friendly systems is unbeatable in respect of costs and effectiveness of protection. The company is domiciled in Switzerland and managed by specialists and Alpinists. We are familiar with the characteristics of the Alps and have acquired comprehensive skills in snow and avalanche sectors all the way up to avalanche commission activity. For this reason we can offer you optimal solutions from the planning phase through to delivery and up to operating the installations. All of this is in the proverbial Swiss quality with regard to efficacy, reliability and support. 2 3

3 Reference Projects Mattertal, Switzerland In Mattertal over 30 avalanche paths endanger the transport routes to Zermatt. During the high season in winter there are up to 30,000 people every day travelling to and from Zermatt. Up until 2004 protection from avalanches was achieved by dropping explosive charges from the helicopter into the avalanche fracture zones. However, this method only worked by daylight and when the weather was good. When there were snow storms, one had to wait for good weather. So it often occurred up to 2004 that the critical masses of new snow were significantly exceeded before artificial release of avalanches from the helicopter could be made. As a result the danger of damage to the railway line or other installations was too great and artificial release of avalanches had to be completely dispensed with. The extremely rough and inaccessible terrain in the avalanche fracture zones prompted the avalanche commission in Mattertal to look for a reliable and remote-controlled system that could release small avalanches with great effectiveness without any supply lines in the terrain. So in 2004 the first Wyssen avalanche tower was installed as a pilot project. A couple of years later the evaluation process showed that this system could safeguard the important roads and railway lines in Mattertal in a very efficient manner. The Wyssen avalanche towers in Mattertal do not just serve for road protection. At the beginning of 2014 there were already 33 avalanche towers in operation for safeguarding ski runs in the ski area. Further projects with Wyssen avalanche towers are already planned for protection of transport routes and ski runs. The ski destination of Zermatt is world famous and produces the largest turnover in Switzerland. Thus the responsible persons accept only top quality and extremely reliable systems for avalanche protection. Bruno Jelk According to Bruno Jelk, Head of the Avalanche Commission in Mattertal- Zermatt, the Wyssen avalanche towers present a unique possibility of artificially releasing critical masses of new snow in very remote and difficult to reach areas at any time of the day or night. Experience with these systems has shown that snow can optimally be released in smaller quantities. This is due to the fact that the explosive charge is detonated above the snow blanket. Ischgl-Samnaun-Galtür, Switzerland/Austria In the Silvretta Arena ski areas there are so many avalanche paths that the responsible persons have to use up to 20 tonnes of explosives per season in order to ensure the safety of people of the ski runs and to protect transport systems from avalanches. Furthermore, the explosive charges were mainly manually brought to the avalanche fracture zones by blasting patrols. These patrols had to get as close to the danger zone as possible on skis, so that they could place the charges precisely in the avalanche fracture zones. This signified a high risk for the personnel, a long time delay until the ski area was opened and a low effective radius, because the charges usually sank into the snow, and this greatly reduced the blasting efficiency. In 2001, the Samnaun ski area started to install Wyssen avalanche towers. Later, the municipality of Samnaun also decided on the Wyssen solution for optimising their avalanche protection concept for community roads and the exposed parts of the village. This decision was followed by the responsible Grisons cantonal authorities, who improved the protection for the cantonal road and railway line underneath the notorious Gonda avalanche path by the installation of Wyssen avalanche towers. This project was financially and scientifically supported by the Federal Government in order to document all the important aspects of the project. The conclusions from the scientific report prompted the Canton to protect further transport routes in the Grisons, such as on the Bernina and Maloja passes, through the installation of Wyssen avalanche towers. Up to the start of 2014, 89 Wyssen avalanche towers had been installed in the Silvretta Arena. They protect areas of risk in snow sport regions and along transport routes. Serafin Siegele, head of the avalanche commission of the Silvretta cableway, Ischgl: "After many years or working with another product for remote-controlled release of avalanches, I opted for the Wyssen system for the latest installations purchase, because the concept of the system as such and also the service provided have convinced me. These points have been met by Wyssen in such a way that the system reliability and operating costs are at an optimal level for us." Serafin Siegele Avalanche Tower 4 5

4 Function The Wyssen avalanche tower is designed to trigger avalanches prophylactically with remote-controlled blasting. To trigger an avalanche, a coded command is given by radio signal from the command centre to the control system of the deployment box to initiate blasting. The deployment box contains 12 prepared explosive charges, which can be individually dropped by remote control. When the explosive charge is dropped, two igniters are pulled and the explosion is set off after a time delay. The charge remains hanging from a cord at a pre-set height above the snow surface, which is completely dropped following blasting. To reload the explosive charges the complete deployment box is lifted from the tower by a helicopter and brought to a station building or warehouse respectively. Effect The greatest degree of success for controlled release of avalanches is brought about by remotecontrolled detonation of an efficient explosive at the right time and in the right place. From the operator's point of view, a blasting installation must be extremely reliable and effective as well as being simple to operate and maintain. The installation in the terrain must be as simple as possible and the interference of the installation must have a low impact on this sensitive environment. The Wyssen avalanche tower fulfils these requirements ideally. Smallest residual risk thanks to the largest effective range blasting above the snow with bigger charges (5kg) gives the maximum effective range up to 260m in diameter (cf. table p. 14) explosives with high-frequency N-shaped pressure wave have been proven to lead to the best release effect, particularly at a greater distance from the detonation point the possibility of positioning the installation in higher locations in addition to suspending the charge higher enables the effect to be reached in locations of pressure shadow (in couloirs, behind terrain ribs) release of smallest quantities of snow possible, thanks to the greatest effectiveness very good stability test for assessment of the local avalanche danger Maximum reliability no critical or moving parts are exposed to the weather, thanks to its intelligent concept the solar power supply or wind generator avoids the necessity of vulnerable supply lines in the terrain Reduced closure times thanks to rapid release, around the clock and in all weathers remote-controlled installations allow operation around the clock very rapid operation possible closure times are reduced in the rule to a maximum of 30 minutes clearing away avalanche snow is usually dispensed with, since the avalanche run-outs are short due to the release of smaller portions Highest cost-effectiveness low investment and operating cost in comparison with permanent constructional protective measures lowest operational costs thanks to its ingenious system concept damage to the infrastructure is avoided by the release of smaller portions economic benefits thanks to reduced closure times Highest degree of safety for the operating staff no staff in the danger area thanks to remote-controlled release preparation of the charges takes place in protected areas the mobility of the deployment boxes means that no maintenance is necessary in the terrain The smallest interference in nature is very environmentally friendly foundation only uses 1m 2 short construction times in the terrain simplify planning and implementation blasting over the ground prevents damage to the vegetation cover dismantling after operating life possible without any problems 6 7

5 Deployment Box Charge Containers Technical Data The solar panels, antenna and a flashing lamp are mounted on the outside of the deployment boxes. The dropping mechanism, the electronics and 12 prepared explosive charges are on the inside of the box and protected from wind and weather. The compact and sealed design means that maximum system reliability is attained. The explosive charge consists of two orange half-shells with pre-mounted SZ 83 percussion fuse, which are assembled with 5kg of explosives. The charges are assembled by the operator on-site. We deliver the charge containers and the canvas bag for the retaining cable (7.5m) Explosives and other pyrotechnical elements are purchased directly by customers from the appropriate suppliers. General Information Mechanism in the deployment box Wyssen Avalanche Tower LS12-5 Weight deployment box complete incl. charges Dimensions Deployment box (l x w x h) Dimensions of tower (h x ø) Inclination of tower Loading Drive unit approx. 600 kg 1,6 m x 1,05 m x 1,2 mm 8 m x 30 cm 15 in direction of slope towards the valley Number charges per launcher Amount of explosives per charge 12 pcs. max. 5 kg Command centre Periodic registration and display of control data Password-protected user interface Monitoring of the current loading status of the deployment box Deviation reporting between current and target state Transmission of coded commands to the magazine-box Automatic coded recording of all command transmissions Time for rotating one position DC motor approx. 8 sec Transmission Gearbox gear motor Transmission carousel pinion and gear rim Energy supply Battery in deployment box supplied by solar panel 12 V Power supply to computer and radio relay 230 V / battery Data transmission Transmission via radio signal Radio equipment conforms to CE Avalanche tower radio connection Support via Network Telephone 1 8 Radio relay Command centre GSM-Mobile 9

6 Tower in the Winter with Deployment Box 10.9m 8.8m Tower in the Summer without Deployment Box 10.2m (12.2/14.2m) 8.0m (10/12m) Transportation by Helicopter An electric hook with a hanger length of about m has to be mounted on the helicopter for the transportation of the deployment box to the tower, so that the pilot can uncouple the load unassisted from the cockpit. As in the photo below, the electric hook is directly mounted onto the transport hanger of the deployment box. 1. In order to place the deployment box onto the tower, the pilot has to bring the insertion funnel exactly over the docking system spike on the tip of the tower. 2. Then the deployment box is lowered. 3. The orientation device then turns the magazine box automatically into the correct direction towards the valley. 4. As soon as the flashing lamp shows the correct positioning to the pilot, he can release the electric hook. A sensor monitors that the deployment box is correctly positioned. As long as the sensor does not respond, meaning that the magazine box is not correctly positioned on the tower, no voltage can be released under any circumstances to the drive elements. Thus no unintentional dropping of an explosive charge can happen during the flight. Return Transport If all charges have been dropped or if no further blasting takes place after the season has finished, the deployment box can be transported back from the tower with the helicopter. An electric hook is again mounted on the helicopter with a hanger length of about m. The specially constructed Wyssen helicopter latch (see illustration on page 12) is fixed to this and enables the pilot to attach the deployment box to the transport hanger unassisted. The pilot must lower the Wyssen helicopter latch over the fork of the transport hanger on the deployment box. This opens the latch, which then closes again when lowered further. In this way the deployment box is attached. The deployment box can then be lifted and transported back to the station building. 4.0m 2.8m 10 11

7 Safety Regulations Transport The helicopter company must have an authorisation in order to carry loaded deployment boxes. Depending on the country, the intended flight routes with loaded deployment boxes must be approved by the flight authorities. Flight routes The helicopter routes taken by which avalanche tower deployment boxes are transported must be so chosen that from the loading place to the avalanche tower a distance of at least 500m is maintained at all times and in all directions away from any persons not involved in the operation. Flying directly over populated areas, open roads as well as people, technical installations (e.g. mountain cableways, mountain restaurants and relay stations) and open ski runs is prohibited. Personnel Only those persons are permitted to operate and handle the installation who are in possession of a valid certificate for the artificial release of avalanches with explosives and who have attended a certified course by Wyssen Avalanche Control AG. Furthermore, it is very important that the operating staff have the corresponding training and experience for risk assessment, planning of measures, implementation of measures as well being able to assess secondary avalanches and avalanches that could be larger than expected. Warehousing Approval for warehousing explosives: for each tower location authorisation must be requested by the customer from the responsible authorities for warehousing explosives in the avalanche tower deployment boxes during the period of operation. Basic Principles and Effectiveness Electric hook directly on the retaining hanger for transportation to the tower Wyssen helicopter latch for return transport from the tower 12 13

8 Basic Principles of Controlled Avalanche Release It is known from practical experience and from the theory of how avalanches arise in deep winter, that the effect of a detonation above the snow cover leads to the best results with respect to residual risk of unpredictable avalanches. The explosive devices used should give a high detonation speed and produce a large volume of gas with a high work factor. Tests with numerous experiments show that explosives with the above-mentioned properties and charging positions above the snow cover give the highest effective ranges. The following table from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF Davos Report no. 53/1996 shows the approximate effective ranges for dry new snow of various explosive charge sizes in different positions with respect to the snow surface. In order to test and to safeguard the avalanche release zone, the whole of the potential release area must be subjected to an additional stress (e.g. by a detonation). This is necessary, because the location of the so-called "hotspots" (super weaknesses) are not known in advance. An acceptable residual risk after blasting operations is only then reached if these "hotspots" have been subjected to a sufficiently high additional stress and high strain rates within the snow cover with high speed of deformation (= high detonation speed). Blasting Cableway Height of detonation point Charge size Radius of effective range Radius of effective range to to prevent a natural release prevent release by a single skier Blasting above the snow (+3 to3.5 m) 4 to 5 kg 120 to 130 m 70 m Blasting above the snow (+2 to3.5 m) 1.5 to 2.5 kg 80 to 90 m 50 m Blasting above the snow (approx. +1 m) 4 to 5 kg 80 to 90 m 50 m Blasting above the snow (approx. +1 m) 1.5 to 2.5 kg 60 to 70 m 35 to 40 m Surface blasting 4 to 5 kg 50 to 60 m 30 to 35 m Surface blasting 4 to 5 kg 50 to 60 m 30 to 35 m Blasting in snow (approx m) 4 to 5 kg 40 m 25 m Blasting in snow (approx m) 1.5 to 2.5 kg 25 m 15 m Blasting in snow (-0.7 m) 1.5 to 5 kg 10 m 5 to 10 m Mortar 12 cm (0 m) 3 kg 40 m - RPG 8.3 cm (0 m) 0.7 kg 20 to 25 m 10 to 15 m Mortar 8.1 cm (0 m) 0.6 kg 15 to 20 m 10 m Table from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF Davos Report no. 53/

9 Blasting Cableway Function: The charges are transported from out the station with manual or electric drive, transported to the avalanche starting zone and then detonated over the snow cover. By using a charge carrier, up to 4 charges can be carried and dropped in one run by means of remote radio control. Advantages: blasting above the snow with larger charges creates the maximum effective range (up to 260 m in diameter) with one installation several starting zones can be embraced triggering is independent of weather conditions no personnel in the danger zone. detonation point can be chosen at any point along the cable line Avalanche Detection Charge Carrier Function: The charge carrier for 2 or 4 charges improves the efficiency of blasting cableways. The device is fixed onto the hanger of the cable way and transported by the cableway to the detonation point. Triggering takes place using a normal portable radio transceiver. After actuation of the orange release button the charge can be dropped by pressing the trigger button. After the detonation, the retaining line can be dropped using the same button, so that supports can be by-passed without any problem. During the fall, a double ignition occurs and the charge detonates on the retaining cable while suspended over the snow cover. The blasting height over the snow can be varied by the length of the retaining line. Advantages: blasting above the snow massive saving of time by reduction of the number of runs weather independent and rapid triggering the device can be used in several cableways low weight of 11 kg or 16 kg respectively no personnel in the danger zone Radio telephone for triggering the charge dropper

10 Avalanche Detection Temporary protective measures against avalanches have grown enormously in importance over the past few years. Compared to permanent constructional mitigation measures, today controlled-release of avalanches in small portions from the avalanche fracture zones are being introduced increasingly. Modern remote-controlled blasting installations allow triggering even during snowfall or in the night if necessary. Naturally, with this benefit, the requirements for detection systems that are independent of visibility for verification of successful blasting are also increasing. Furthermore, when avalanches are registered, alarms can be set off and transport routes blocked with traffic lights as well as general information collected about avalanche activity, which could give important indications for avalanche warning. Thanks to technological advances in recent years, reliable and low-maintenance systems for monitoring and alarming are available. We offer different avalanche detection systems. There are systems for specific and exact monitoring of individual avalanche paths (LARA), systems for pure verification directly close to the blasting installation (SARA) and monitoring of larger areas form a central location (IDA). The new platform for integrated display of different detection systems (PIA) gives the avalanche commission a simplified overview as a basis for decision-making. LARA Long Range Avalanche Radar The radar device permanently monitors a pre-defined area of the avalanche path and can thus reliably detect when an avalanche has been set off. In combination with the Wyssen avalanche towers, radar enables successful blasting to be verified. The information about whether an avalanche has been released together with a rough estimation of its size can significantly reduce the residual risk when carrying out avalanche control work. Additionally, avalanche radar makes it possible to detect spontaneous avalanche activity and in combination with a traffic light switch, it can be used for operating road closures. Moreover the information about spontaneous avalanche activity is very important when estimating local avalanche risk. Advantages: new innovative radar technology specially developed for detecting avalanches robust and compact design developed for the harsh alpine climate remote maintenance and data transfer using the mobile phone network wide area of applications, since mudslides and rock falls can also be detected power supply with a combination of solar cells and / or fuel calls is possible SARA Short Range Avalanche Radar Positive experience with our LARA avalanche radar has prompted us to decide to develop radar technology further and also offer this as an option on our avalanche towers. Thus a short-range radar system (range appr. 200 m, larger angle of aperture) has been developed as a sister system to LARA, our long-range radar (range of 2 km, angle of aperture 5 ). The SARA radar can optimally be mounted on the deployment box and monitors the sphere of action of the avalanche tower. Thus SARA makes it possible to verify whether an avalanche has been triggered through the detonation or not. As opposed to LARA, SARA only monitors the immediate area under the avalanche tower and cannot give any information about avalanche activity lower down in the path. As usual, power supply is provided by solar energy, so that no additional installations on the deployment box are necessary

11 IDA Infrasound Detection System In order to monitor several avalanche paths simultaneously, an infrasound measuring system (IDA), consisting of 5 sensors, was installed for the first time in 2012 in Ischgl (Austria). Infrasound technology enables avalanches from all directions to be detected. Infrasound is noise under the audible range for humans and has the advantage that it can spread over many kilometres and still be measured. The detected avalanches are displayed on the IDA web page over the background of Google maps or on an aerial photograph. The arrows display the direction of the avalanche signal and the colour marks the origin (controlled triggering or natural). The date and time, together with the amplitude, direction and length of the signal are displayed in the table underneath. IDA monitors avalanches in "near real time", as the system updates every 2 minutes. At the same time the data are saved on a server and can be accessed at any time from the archive. If desired, an alarm text message or can be sent for every avalanche. Thus IDA serves as a monitoring tool for detecting avalanches in a large area (up to 3 km). This information about avalanche activity is very valuable for avalanche commissions or avalanche warning services. The installation of several IDA systems in a network enables monitoring of areas of several square kilometres. PIA Platform for Integrated Avalanche Information The PIA information platform is a decentralised system that collects information from many different places (avalanche towers, radar, infrasound, geophones) and displays it clearly and uniformly. The information can be accessed by any computer, tablet or Smartphone with the aid of a web application. Thus a single and clear display of data can be offered to local avalanche authorities, who have several systems in operation. This is in order for the avalanche service to make rapid decisions. The software is structured into 3 levels. The first level enables a rapid summary of all data with a "traffic-light" display (see below). These coloured light messages are available at the latest 2 minutes after blasting. The coloured gradation from red (no) the green (yes) gives an indication about the signal strength of the sensor. The second level, visualisation shows a detailed graphical display of the data which can be called up within 5-10 minutes after blasting. The 3rd level, "device status", is optional. On this level device parameters such as battery voltage, internal temperature or a sensor self-test can be monitored. With the aid of PIA the information is clearly displayed from different sources to the avalanche protection centre and for the responsible persons. Graphical IDA web display Clear "traffic-light" display of different detection systems 20 21

12 Weather Stations Weather Stations Reliable and exact weather data are important basics for a well-organised avalanche service. However, for each of these applications completely individual boundary conditions exist. Thus for measuring these data there are no standard solutions, and flexible systems which are optimised for the specific requirements are required. From the development of a suitable measurement concept to the choice of optimal components from a wide range of sensor technology, communication solutions and well-conceived and flexible mechanical structures down to fully configurable, powerful station programming (upgradable at any time) and data evaluation, our automatic weather stations are totally aligned to these requirements. The powerful solar power kit and the diverse modes of communications allow an autonomous operation and thus the widest possible flexibility in the choice of an optimal location. The various types of well-conceived, robust mechanical carrier systems and the whole station concept are designed for efficient installation and low-maintenance operation. The completely remote controlled maintenance work, numerous built-in control functions and the high quality of the components and materials used guarantee high availability of the measurement data. Thus they can serve as a valuable foundation for successful projects in a wide variety of applications in science, research or operational services. General Technical Specifications Data acquisition Campbell Data logger Communication addressable UHF radio connection with repeater-function short distance broadband radio network GSM / GPRS Ethernet Solar power kit battery capacity for long station autonomy optimised charging control and deep discharge protection configurable energy saving function Programming Flexible, freely configurable programming with complete remote control maintenance, self-tests and monitoring of all important components. Mechanical construction Can be placed on any substrate without a concrete base, is simple to install, robust and durable and in addition... optimised for simple installation and maintenance and long-term operation under the harshest environmental conditions modular construction and flexible design 22 23

13 Snow Measuring Station Reliable current weather and snow depth data from potential avalanche fracture zone are fundamentally indispensable for avalanche warning. Wind Young specially reinforced and optimised Typical measurement parameters Air temperature Campbell T107 Measurement parameter Standard-Sensor thermally isolated assembly in Snow depth Campbell SR50A with optimised radiation shield measurement algorithm Relative air humidity Rotronic Hygroclip HC2 Snow surface temperature IR AlpuG contactless infra-red Short-wave radiation Campbell CS300 measurement Precipitation Campbell ARG100 (rocker) Snow and ground Campbell T107 temperatures NTC thermistor Other sensors and parameters on request Wyssen Risk Solutions Wind Measuring Station The wind is often called the architect of avalanches. Good wind measurements thus form an important basis for assessment of the current avalanche situation. Typical measurement parameters Measurement parameter Standard-Sensor Wind Young specially reinforced and optimised Air temperature Campbell T107 thermally isolated assembly in radiation shield Relative air humidity Rotronic Hygroclip HC2 Air pressure Setra CS100 Other sensors and parameters on request Snow Drift Station Drifting of snow by the wind is an important factor for the formation of avalanches and thus for the assessment of the current avalanche danger. For measuring snowdrifts the acoustic drift sensor FlowCapt is used. This worldwide unique has been developed by the Swiss company IAV Engineering and supplies a good quantitative index about the drifted snow quantity and after periods of precipitation accompanied by strong winds. Typical measurement parameters Measurement parameter Standard-Sensor Snowdrift FlowCapt acoustic drift sensor Wind Young specially reinforced and optimised Air temperature Campbell T107 thermally isolated assembly in radiation shield Other sensors and parameters on request 24 25

14 Our Partners Wyssen Risk Solutions In the sector of avalanche protection measures, knowledge from various disciplines is in demand. After a need for action for protective measures of a threatened area has arisen, risk analysis, planning of measures, cost-benefit analysis and analysis of effectiveness and choice of system have to be undertaken in the planning phase. A concept for safety and communication is to be drawn up and the process for approval carried out. Maintenance and repair of the installations is also very important. In branches or regions where avalanche commission activity has not yet been established, the above tasks can be an almost insurmountable challenge. If an appropriate organisation and trained and experienced specialists are lacking, we can offer this as a part of the service. For time-limited protection requirements, e.g. during construction projects, this concept is a good option. In the implementation phase the finances have to be arranged and the measures implemented. This includes commissioning builders and suppliers, procurement, installation and starting up installations as well as organisation and enrolling the avalanche commission. Put this demanding job in the hands of experts who have been dealing with this subject for years. Our team consists of specialists who have been handling these tasks for decades. Together with people who know the local conditions, we assemble a team that can relieve you of "avalanche worries". Finally there is the operational phase, where the continuous data collection and situation analysis with hazard evaluation and temporary protective measures such as closure, evacuation, controlled release of avalanches and finally lifting of the measures follow. In-depth and comprehensive documentation of the data collection and decision-making are essential. Wyssen Risk Solutions, your partner for complete solutions in risk management of avalanche hazards. The offer consists of different modules. We will draw up a suitable offer individually for you. Ski Areas ria Piz Glo Söll Bergbahnen Our Services Technical equipment Blasting installations, weather stations, detection systems, service Operation of installations Reloading, transportation, warehousing Financing Dismanteling and disposal of installations Running the avalanche commission Operating installations Operating the installations Triggering of blasting etc. Maintenance of installations Avalanche commission Determination of blastingtimes, closure times, documentation Commissioning and decommissioning installations Manufacturing and supplying installations Procuring installations Financing Installations and operation Planning Preparation of an individual concept for your area 26 Analysis and planning Road, Rail & Settlement Protection Graubünden Kappl, Tirol Kaunertal, Tirol Research 27

15 Wyssen Avalanche Control AG 3713 Reichenbach Switzerland Tel.: