News archive
NGI Avalanche dynamic testfield - release
- Fracture line Ryggfonn - Norway
In Ryggfonn the test area of the Norwegian Geotechnical Institut (NGI) for avalanche research a Wyssen Avalanche Tower LS12-5 was installed for a more reliable release of avalanches.
The foundation made with rock anchors was built by our norwegian representative T. Frivik Taubanedrift AS, in late fall 2010 in sometimes severe weather conditions within 4 days. Since the optimal place for the tower is usually covered by a huge cornice special measures had to be taken for the protection of this installation. 5 wind deflectors where installed to achieve higher wind speeds for the prevention of snow deposit within the area around the tower.
In mid February the first test release was performed during best weather conditions. For this event our Norwegian representative and our project manager Christian Wyssen travelled to the site to take video of this happening. A huge amount of snow was released which lead to an avalanche fracture line with a height of appr. 2m as shown on the video and pictures.
First blasting at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Norway: The first installations for artificial avalanche control
- Norway Tyin - Road safety
- Norway Ryggfonn - NGI test field
The Wyssen Team has installed the first installations for remote controlled artificial avalanche control in Norway. Two Avalanche Towers have been installed beginning of October 2010.
For Statens Vegvesen as the Norwegian road administration it is a big issue to keep their roads open as much as possible during winter time in safe condition regarding snow avalanches. Different measures are carried out where as the artificial triggering of avalanches is known to be an interesting alternative compared to the common structural measures (as tunnels, snow fences, etc.) regarding costs. In Switzerland and Austria around 170 Wyssen Avalanche Towers have been installed for the remote controlled avalanche releas. Almost half of them are installed for the protection of roads and railways. Due to the good references in the Alps, Statens Vegvesen decided to install such an installation from Wyssen at the mountain road I53 at Tyin in between Bergen and Oslo.
Ryggfonn in western Norway is the name of NGI's test field for avalanche research. The researchers can here closely examine and study avalanches in full scale. In order to release the avalanches more reliably and at the exact desired time, NGI decided to install a Wyssen Avalanche Tower at the avalanche starting zone. At both projects Wyssen took over the whole contract beginning with consulting over construction including erection and start up of the system.
International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) in Lake Tahoe, USA
14.09.2010 – wyssen avalanche control AG will attend the ISSW in Lake Tahoe USA with a product presentation which takes place from October 17. to October 22. 2010.
In addition to this, Mr. Njål Farestveit from the Norvegian Road Administration is holding a speech about a project with the first remote controlled avalanche releasing system on Friday, Oct. 22. at 14:50.
We are looking forward to see you there.
New charge containers
As from next year, the avalanche tower charge containers will be manufactured from biologically degradable plastic.
New homepage
May 01, 2010 - The Wyssen Website is "getting" on in years. The technological leaps in the Internet business are taking place very fast and too, our demands on the external communication policy have also expanded. In order to meet these and other requirements we have decided to redesign the appearance of our site.
The new homepage will allow us publish the most important information promptly and to include you in this communication. We are pleased to present to you a fresh internet presence.
If you have any questions or problems please contact us.
