Snow Characterization and Avalanche Detection in the Indian Himalaya

Forecasting and detection of avalanche activities in alpine regions are critical for planning safe traverse routes and landing sites for snow operations and environmental change. The recreational activities (skiing and snowmobile) and public commutation during the winter season lead to fatality spatially when avalanche forecasting is not accurate. Visually, the RGB composite image formed using pre- and post-avalanche data can give primary proxy on the avalanche site. However, in the complex terrain (like Himalaya), RGB composite cannot be used as primary a proxy of avalanche activities. In this paper, we are proposing snow characterization and the avalanche detection algorithm using X-band full polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data. The snowpack parameters are considered in the characterization of snow and avalanche detection. The algorithm also utilizes the SAR power decomposition parameters (Model-based, and mathematical decomposition). Furthermore, statistical indices (Canberra distance and Euclidean distance) are used as a change detection parameter.