Terrestrial laser scanning for snow depth observations: An update on technical developments and applications

In the past few years terrestrial laser scanning methodology has become a powerful tool for determining the spatial snow depth distribution on slopes. With technical improvements of devices, e.g. increased measurement range, reduced beam diameter, increased scanning speed and a more precise registration process, application for snow and avalanche related objectives has increased. The presentation focuses on one example, documentation of an avalanche hazard that destroyed a railway track. The mass balance of the avalanche was measured to allow reliable evaluation of dynamic modeling and risk analyses. Technical developments including improvements in applicability of the devices are described and continuing limitations of terrestrial laser scanning methodology are discussed. An outlook on future developments of the technology is also given.