In the glacier area Plaine Morte in the Bernese Alps, STS gauge probes warn in real time of potential lake outbursts. This provides the municipality of Lenk with enough response time for protective measures.
The glaciers of the Alps are constantly changing. Especially in spring and summer, temporary meltwater lakes form, which need to be monitored for water level. If the level rises unnoticed, sudden outbursts could cause major damage in the communities below.
The Swiss company Geopraevent develops early warning systems for such natural hazards. Together with STS, a reliable system was established on the Plaine-Morte Glacier – equipped with highly precise pressure sensors, solar-powered data loggers, and automatic alerts.
Level measurement at three glacier lakes
Each summer, three temporary lakes form on the Plaine-Morte Glacier in the Bernese Alps: Faverges, Vatseret, and Strubel Lakes. The Faverges Lake is particularly dangerous. As meltwater increases, water seeks a way through the ice – which can suddenly lead to a discharge with up to 20 m³/s.
To respond in time, a monitoring system with four stations was installed:
- one measurement station per lake (with STS ATM/N/T gauge probes)
- one additional station at Trüebach (with gauge radar for verification)
Technology with foresight
The gauge probes were lowered to the deepest parts of the lakes via helicopter and connected with solar-powered data loggers. Data transfer occurs via mobile network to Geopraevent's servers. If thresholds are exceeded or not met, an automatic SMS warning is sent to the municipality of Lenk.
At Trüebach, the potential outflow path, a gauge radar is used. It is attached to a steel cable over the gorge and serves to confirm the actual outflow of the glacier lake.
Early warning thanks to precise level measurement
The system gives local authorities an early warning time of one to two days – enough time to initiate evacuations or protective measures. The ATM/N/T sensors from STS are characterized by high long-term stability and accuracy – even under extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Thanks to modern pressure and level measurement technology from STS, potential natural hazards in the Alps can be detected early. Projects like the one at Plaine-Morte Glacier demonstrate how precise monitoring solutions can create tangible safety for people and infrastructure.
