A novel approach for automatic avalanche detection System
Mr Ashish Sharma¹, Dr Farzil Kidwai¹, Mr Yogesh
Sharma¹, Dr Sandeep Tayal¹, Prakhar Sharma¹, Harsh
Rajput¹, Divleen Kaur¹, Tripti Jain¹, Mridul Gulati¹,
Ishaan Sangwan¹
prakharsharma22@gmail.com
ashish@mait.ac.in
sandeeptayal@mait.ac.in
yogeshsharma@mait.ac.in
farzilkidwai@mait.ac.in
Abstract -Cities worldwide are reaching operational
excellence and growing smarter with the introduction of
innovative technologies. These technologies, if utilized
efficiently, can become assets of tomorrow. Many
weather-related natural disasters have increased in
frequency and severity in recent times. These natural
disasters can devastate the environment, the economy, and
life as we know it. Technology, if used as an instrumental
asset can enhance our preparedness for emergencies.
Utilizing vision-based strategies to prevent natural
disasters like avalanches have been one of the significant
advancements. A valuable tool for avalanche forecasting
and evaluating the efficacy of avalanche prevention
measures in low visibility conditions is automated snow
avalanche prediction. Automation offers an easy escape
from the hassle of continuous human monitoring of
avalanche activity and increases detection speed and
accuracy. Our solution offers an economic and precise
alternative to traditional prediction systems. It takes into
account different climatological factors related to snow
stability to predict avalanche danger. The system analyses
past and present activity to predict if avalanches can be
developed. It consists of a thermal imaging camera that
collects infrared images of cracked snow. These images
are then subsequently examined with the help of a
deep-learning image processing model to investigate the
likelihood of an avalanche occurring in the crack. The
prediction, if positive the authorities can be alerted and
further necessary actions can be taken.
Keywords: avalanche1 , automated avalanche detection2 ,
cracks3 , thermal camera4 , image processing5 ,
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)6 , Geotagging7 ,
OTSU algorithm8 .
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4392679
¹Computer Science and Engineering Department,
Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Affiliated
to G.G.S.I.P. University.
dchugh121@gmail.com
jaintripti59@gmail.com
b.birla167@gmail.com
vkharshrajput@gmail.com
mridulgulati18@gmail.com
ishaansangwan@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
Natural calamities have always existed. However, many
weather-related natural disasters have increased in frequency
and severity due to the modernization of several cultures
around the world and the impact human industrial activities
have made on the environment. This results in a greater
overall worldwide impact of natural disasters. The number of
lives lost due to these mishaps is appalling.
Graph 1: It shows the number of deaths due to avalanches
over the decades
These unfortunate instances, though cannot be avoided, can
be less destructive if one is better prepared. Technology has
empowered us to do this. Multiple approaches to help predict
the arrival and effect of natural calamities have been proposed
using different technological stacks. The motive of this study
is to put forward one such strategy for avalanches. When a
layer of snow moves downhill and collapses, it triggers an
avalanche. The release of snow is attributed to a number of
mechanisms, including snow distortion, damage
accumulation, fracture initiating, and crack propagation. This
results in either dry slab avalanches or loose avalanches. The
release of snow is also a result of complex interactions
between the terrain, the snowpack, and the environment. Our
prediction system consists of a thermal camera and an
image-processing deep-learning model. The DL model is
based on OTSU Image Processing Algorithm that quantifies
cracks and checks the images for damage severity. As part of
the OTSU algorithm, thermal camera images undergo
enhancement, including reducing background noise and
removing unwanted information. The length and width of the
snow crack are then calculated and compared to previous
trends to determine if the crack may lead to an impending
avalanche at that location.
LITERATURE SURVEY
Snow masses that slide down steep slopes rapidly are known
as avalanches.[1] The release of snow is caused by a number
of processes, including snow deformation, damage
accumulation, fracture initiation, and fracture propagation,
according to a focus on dry slab avalanches and loose snow
avalanches [2]. Additionally, the three main factors that
interact to cause snow avalanches are the terrain, the
snowpack, and the meteorology [3] For centuries, avalanches
have been proven to be dangerous.[4] Snow avalanches
endanger mountain residents' lives and futures, disrupting
transportation and mobility. Avalanches are often
spontaneous, but they are also influenced by weather and
snow conditions, as well as their interaction with
topography.[5] In the coming years, there is an increasing risk
of avalanches, even in the Western Himalayan regions of
India, which calls for a better avalanche detection model.
[6][7] Avalanches can occur on fractured snow slopes.
Therefore, to forecast avalanches, cracks must be thoroughly
examined. Now that thermographic technology has advanced,
we could indeed capture images of the ruptured surface and
use them to conduct research.Cracks formed in frozen soil are
nearly identical to those formed in snow. [8][9]Infrared
cameras, or more specifically thermal cameras, provide the
surface temperature profiles of the cracked surface along with
an image of the surface that can be used for visual inspection.
There are numerous uses for infrared thermal scanners.
[10]One such use case is utilising different colour palettes, to
represent temperatures in the resulting image [11]adopted by
the edge/border tracing algorithms Sobel-Feldman and
Laplacian to analyse twelve commercially available and
widely used colour schemes to determine which ones were
best for tropical environments.[12] It has been instrumental in
guiding academics and developers on how to effectively
describe thermal images and create colour schemes
appropriate for hot climates[13].
The study concluded that colour palettes with a large number
of colours produced more noise, making it challenging to tell
an object being scanned apart from its surroundings.
Contrarily, colour schemes with three or fewer clashing hues
result in sharper, more precise images
Machine learning-based avalanche prediction models are
extremely scarce. However, strategies like artificial neural
networks (ANN) can be successful strategies for machine
learning-based avalanche prediction models.[14].
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4392679
Furthermore, a Vision-based approach can be used for crack
detection and analysis. A trained and proven deep learning
algorithm, the CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), can be
very effective at processing images. Without any additional
features, CNN can learn the characteristics of the images that
are provided. Additionally, CNN is not easily influenced by
noise or the surroundings' location [15].
HARDWARE
WORKING OF THERMAL CAMERAS
A thermal or infrared camera consists of a lens, temperature
sensor, processing circuitry, and mechanical housing. Infrared
light is focused on the sensor through a lens. Sensors may
contain the capacity to have pixel arrays ranging from 80 x 60
to 1280 x 1024 or even more. Their image resolution is
inferior to the imagers got using visible light due to the
well-known fact that the thermal detectors must capture
energy at wavelengths which are very much longer than
visible light and require plenty of substantial detector
elements. Thermal imaging cameras typically have fewer
pixels and lower resolution than visual sensors of the same
mechanical size. When choosing an infrared camera it is
important to consider its resolution, range, the field of view,
focus, thermal sensitivity and spectral range.
Fig 1. Thermal Camera image that we will be using for
the hardware
Image source: Robu.in
Thermal imaging cameras can measure heat very accurately,
which makes them versatile. FLIR thermal imaging cameras
can detect thermal changes as small as 0.01°C and display
them in various shades of grey or colour schemes. Thermal
energy is released from everything we encounter in our daily
lives, including ice.
The hotter something is, the more thermal energy it releases.
The "heat signature" refers to this released thermal energy.
Regardless of lighting, thermal sensors can detect differences
in temperature characteristics between two objects when they
are in close proximity.
As a result, a smoke-like, completely dark environment
appears in the thermal imager. Infrared cameras can see many
things that regular cameras and our eyes can't, but they can
also be blocked by unexpected objects.
APPLICATIONS OF THERMAL CAMERA
Thermal cameras have a plethora of possible applications.
Thermal cameras, which were initially created for
surveillance and military operations, are now widely used for
a variety of purposes, including building inspections
(moisture, insulation, roofing, etc.), firefighting, autonomous
vehicles and automatic braking, skin temperature screening,
industrial inspections, scientific research, and many others.
RASPBERRY PI
The third generation Raspberry Pi is the Raspberry Pi 3
Model B. An alternative to the Raspberry Pi Model B+ and
Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, this rugged credit-card-sized
single-board computer can perform a variety of tasks. The
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B offers a more powerful processor that
is 10x faster than the Raspberry Pi 1 while maintaining the
popular board structure. It also includes WiFi and Bluetooth
connectivity, making it ideal for robust connectivity designs.
Fig 2. Raspberry Pi
Image source: Robu.in
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
Fig 3. System Architecture
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4392679
Thermal cameras are placed at strategic locations facing the
snowy mountains and capture infrared (IR) images of the
snow. These images are passed through a colour gradient
model to extract information.
The colour gradient model involves colour transitions,
blending one shade into another. From the colour gradient
model, we get each pixel’s IR brightness temperature. Then,
the pixel brightness temperature is converted to a radiance
value. The radiance value of a pixel serves as an intensity
measure and is used to characterize diffuse emission. A
minimum detection threshold is applied to the calculated
radiance value. If the minimum threshold is exceeded, FRP is
calculated. FRP is the rate of fire radiative energy per unit of
time. It is the difference between the measured apparent fire
temperature at the 4 (mu)m band and the background
temperature. Instantaneous image FRP is calculated by
iterating in all the pixels of the image, this is done till the
threshold is not exceeded. By iterating through all the
possible pixels and the values of the threshold, the widespread
background can be identified. After this, FRE- fire radiative
energy is calculated and the time-integrated area is. With this,
the infrared image is converted completely into a
colour-graded image.
Fig 4. The temperature profile of the Snow Specimen
GEOTAGGING
Adding geographic coordinates to material depending on the
location of a mobile device is known as geotagging. Geotags,
which may also include timestamps or other contextual
information, can be added to images, videos, websites, texts,
and QR codes.
By integrating geotagging, and infrared technology, we can
determine the angle along which a crack runs and the distance
along the geotagged line that the fracture extends. This
enables us to establish a connection between the real world
and a 3D virtual representation.
Geotagging relies heavily on precision and detail. Consumers
using social media to share their location demand precise,
specific alternatives, and businesses need to be able to dig
down to the right geographic level for their analyses.
After the 3D view of the place is virtually created in the OTSU then uses an image histogram of grayscale levels to
computer, now the need to map the virtual model to the compute threshold value T and peaks in an image. The
physical world, here we geotag a virtual image coordinate to a intra-class variance is lowered and we get a binary image.
physical world coordinate. Now this point will be considered
as the mean position in both physical and virtual coordinate
systems.
Now the deviation of any point from the mean position is
calculated to map the point in the physical world or virtual
view. And the altitude and distance from the device will
always remain constant in the virtual view and physical
world.
Thermal Imaging Flowchart

Fig 6. Thresholding OTSU method

The binary image follows image enhancement and connecting

breakpoints to fill gaps and unconnected parts that may have
persisted. Once this process is done we get the final image.
On further analysis, we apply boundaries and calculate the
width and height of the crack. The crack analysis considers
several properties like length, width, area, orientation and
boundary. If the severity of the crack lies in the danger zone,
an impending avalanche is predicted.
According to CNN, if the surface is found cracked the OTSU
Fig 5. Thermal Imaging flowchart image processing algorithm is used on it for further crack
quantification.
OTSU Image Processing

This colour-graded image is sent into a convolutional neural

network. Convolutional neural networks are a class of
artificial neural networks (ANN), that are designed to solve
problems involving visual imagery. CNNs perform image
recognition and image analysis, and most importantly they
help with in-depth estimation. We have used the OTSU
algorithm under CNN. OTSU Image processing is a DL-based
image technique that is used to classify cracks and quantify
them to assess the degree of severity.
This method consists of three stages namely
1. Image improvement
2. Thresholding otsu method and
3. Noise removal and image correction.
After these three stages, we get the perfect image. The image
improvement method removes unwanted information,
background noise and illumination using a non-linear filter.
This gives us an improved image. Fig 7. Noise removal and Image Correction

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4392679


Fig 8. Crack analysis flowchart
Fig 8. Artificial Avalanche triggering
ARTIFICIAL AVALANCHE TRIGGERING
In Switzerland, artificial avalanche triggering is extremely
important for safeguarding communities, winter sports
destinations, and transportation routes. The technique uses
controlled explosives to temporarily secure avalanche
pathways, deposition zones, and potential beginning zones
while avoiding massive avalanches and protracted closures.
Avalanches are artificially triggered using a variety of
techniques, such as hand charge delivery, helicopter charge
drop, cannons, and permanently erect triggers. In each
instance, the same basic idea holds true: an explosive charge
Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4392679
or gas combination detonated in the beginning zone causes a
shock wave, adding pressure to the snowpack. This triggers
the avalanche. The fragile layer of the snowpack may fracture
as a result of the pressure. The snow slab above the broken
layer is then released as the fracture spreads. Permanently
placed explosive devices have grown in acceptance over the
past few years and are now typical.
Artificial avalanche release is a widely used and cost-effective
method of protecting roads, railroads, ski resorts, and other
locations that can be efficiently and completely evacuated
with little or no risk of property damage.[Fig 8] The use of
artificial avalanche releases to protect permanent, valuable
facilities such as homes is controversial and generally avoided
in the United States because of potential unintended
consequences and the assumption of responsibility for the
damage.
They effectively start the fracture by using a gas or charge to
create an explosion above the snowpack. These devices may
be used in any weather, at any time of day, and from a secure
distance. Over the past ten years, permanent explosive
systems have seen significant improvement. There are about
300 such systems operating in Switzerland. For the purpose of
monitoring both the explosion and the dangerous region, they
are increasingly being integrated with new technologies, such
as avalanche detection systems or warning and alarm systems.
The acceptable closure interval, residual risk, topographical
circumstances, the timing of execution, necessary explosive
impact, and cost are among the factors that influence the
delivery method chosen. We contrast the several explosive
methods and share our conclusions.
Safety authorities can choose the technology that best suits
their demands thanks to this research.
Conclusion:
An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, such as a
hill or a mountain When a layer of snow moves downhill and
collapses, it triggers an avalanche. The release of snow is
attributed to a number of mechanisms, including snow
distortion, damage accumulation, fracture initiating, and crack
propagation. An avalanche is able to obstruct anything in its
path. Roads and railways can be blocked. Power supplies can
be cut off. A powerful avalanche can even destroy buildings
and people can also be killed. It’s a Great loss of economy
and resources. Our prediction system consists of a thermal
camera and an image-processing deep-learning model. The
DL model is based on OTSU Image Processing Algorithm
that quantifies cracks and checks the images for damage
severity. As part of the OTSU algorithm, thermal camera
images undergo image enhancement, which includes reducing
background noise and removing unwanted information. The
length and width of the snow crack are then calculated and
compared to previous trends to determine if the crack may
lead to an impending avalanche at that location.
After processing the images taken by the thermal camera, a
Vision-based approach is required for crack detection and
analysis. The CNN (Convolutional neural network) is a
trained and validated deep learning algorithm that can bring
great success in processing images. CNN can learn the
characteristics of the provided images without any additional
features. Also, CNN is not easily affected by noise or the
location of the surroundings. [(J. Yang, 2019)]
Avalanches are artificially triggered using a variety of
techniques, such as hand charge delivery, helicopter charge
drop, cannons, and permanently erect triggers. In each
instance, the same basic idea holds true: an explosive charge
or gas combination detonated in the beginning zone causes a
shock wave, adding pressure to the snowpack. This triggers
the avalanche.
We have utilized technology in an efficient manner to
decrease the destruction done by Avalanche.
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