New perspectives for safety and infrastructure

Assessing avalanche risks is one of the key challenges in the Alpine region. Traditional methods have so far relied on spot snowpack profiles and manual measurements, which are not only time-consuming but also involve considerable risks for emergency services. Current research projects in Norway now show that drone-based sensor systems – particularly ground-penetrating radar – enable a paradigm shift in hazard analysis.

Technological approach: Ground-penetrating radar from the air

At the heart of this innovation lies the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which is integrated onto drone platforms. This radar emits electromagnetic waves that penetrate layers of snow and soil. The reflected signals are then processed to generate a detailed image of the internal structure.

The technology provides a kind of ‘X-ray view’ into the snowpack: layer structure, differences in density and moisture distribution can be recorded across the entire area. In particular, unstable intermediate layers – which are often the trigger for avalanches – can thus be precisely identified.

A key advantage lies in scalability: whilst conventional methods provide only point-specific information, drones enable repeatable measurements along identical flight paths across entire mountain slopes.

Research collaboration and application context

The development is taking place as part of a collaborative project between the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and the research institute SINTEF. The aim is to develop more precise models for assessing avalanche risks in exposed mountain regions.

The drones are not only equipped with radar but also combine multiple sensor systems such as cameras and magnetometers. This creates a multidimensional picture of the situation that takes into account both the snow structure and geological and infrastructural factors.

Added value for safety and risk management

Drone-based data collection reduces one thing above all else: the risk to people. It is no longer necessary to enter critical slopes to obtain measurement data. At the same time, data quality improves significantly, as large-scale and high-temporal-resolution analyses become possible. ([alphagalileo.org])

Furthermore, continuous monitoring opens up new possibilities for dynamic risk assessment. Changes within the snowpack can be tracked throughout the entire winter season – a decisive step forward for early warning systems.

Potential beyond avalanche protection

The technology is not limited to the Alpine region. A key area of application lies in the field of energy supply:

• Measuring water content in snow enables more precise forecasts for meltwater and spring runoff
• Improved planning for hydroelectric power stations and energy production

Furthermore, the method can be used to analyse soil structures, detect contaminated sites or support construction projects. In the context of climate change, too, the technology provides valuable data on the development of snow cover and its stability in sensitive regions.

Technological development

In parallel with sensor technology, the drone platforms themselves are also being further developed. New models can carry heavy payloads – up to several kilograms – and achieve increasingly longer flight times, for example through the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

Future developments also aim to:

• automated data analysis using machine learning
• autonomous flight route planning with a focus on information-critical zones
• integration into scalable systems for public authorities and infrastructure operators

Context: From measurement point to digital situational picture

The combination of drone technology and ground-based radar marks a transition from isolated measurements to comprehensive, data-driven safety models. Particularly in the context of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), a new set of tools is emerging that makes risk analyses not only more precise but also more operationally manageable.

Conclusion

Drone-based radar systems open up new possibilities in avalanche prevention and beyond. Through their ability to reveal hidden structures beneath the snow over large areas, they make a decisive contribution to improving safety, predictability and resilience.

In view of increasing extreme weather events and rising demands on infrastructure operators, this technology is likely to play a central role in risk management in the future.

Sources: SINTEF / AlphaGalileo (2026): This drone reveals what lies beneath snow and soil [alphagalileo.org]: Research collaboration between NGI, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration and SINTEF (2026) – Project description and application context