Valais, Switzerland – On March 8, 2017 an international research team from the WSL Institute For Snow And Avalanche Research SLF triggered a controlled avalanche in the name of science in the Vallée de la Sionne in Valais, Switzerland.
After a helicopter dropped 15 kilos of explosives at 2500 meters, it triggered a 300 meter wide avalanche that ripped down the mountain. The avalanche reached 260 km/hours as it crashed down 1000 meters over a 2.5 kilometer long path in the Vallée de la Sionne. Researchers note that this was the biggest avalanche they have triggered in the last 11 years. It measured over 20 meters high.
Scientists collected data using radar, laser scanning, thermal imaging, and of course video cameras. The goal of the research is to gain “additional insights into how large avalanches are moving, what forces they are developing and how to optimally protect settlements, traffic routes and infrastructure.”
Watch The Avalanche Footage From SLF:
Here’s a still photo from the White Risk Facebook Page:
Read more about this avalanche project from the following sources:
Official Description On YouTube:
(TRANSLATED)
Published on Mar 8, 2017
In the test area in the Vallée de la Sionne (VS, municipality of Arbaz), a successful big avalanche avalanche test took place on 08.03.2017. An international research team at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF promises additional insights into how large avalanches are moving, what forces they are developing and how to optimally protect settlements, traffic routes and infrastructure.
 triggered a controlled avalanche in Valais, Switzerland and posted the video on the Internet. Cool!){kind=link}