Image showing the overview of a study site in the steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains of southwest Montanataken by an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) while collecting data. The site’s complex terrain and topography are being studied to gain insights into snow depth and distribution in previously inaccessible areas.
Zachary Miller
My research is focused on snow and ice in mountain environments. I use modern remote sensing tools along with traditional manual measurement techniques to study snow distribution, avalanche processes, and mountain meteorology to better understand our frozen hydrological resources.
Biography:
My interest in snow science developed throughout my undergraduate studies, internships, professional avalanche work, and masters studies. My main research focus is snow distribution in mountain environments and is closely tied to avalanche science, meteorology, hydrology, ecology, and glaciology. I use modern remote sensing tools along with traditional manual measurement techniques to explore the interactions of these systems on the processes of snow accumulation, redistribution and ablation. I currently work with the Climate Change in Mountain Ecosystems group at Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center conducting research in and around Glacier National Park.
Science and Products
Remote Sensing Tools Advance Avalanche Research
The USGS Snow and Avalanche Project (SNAP) uses remotely sensed technologies to understand snowpack changes that influence water storage, recreation, avalanche hazard and acts as a driver of landscape change. Satellites, uninhabited aerial systems (UAS), and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry are some of the tools scientists use to collect high resolution imagery that supports ongoing snow...
USGS Snow and Avalanche Project
Snow avalanches are a widespread natural hazard to humans and infrastructure as well as an important landscape disturbance affecting mountain ecosystems. Forecasting avalanche frequency is challenging on various spatial and temporal scales, and this project aims to fill a gap in snow science by focusing on reconstructing avalanche history on the continental mountain range scale - throughout the...
Going-to-the-Sun Road Avalanche Forecasting Program
As the most popular attraction in Glacier National Park (GNP), the Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses scenic alpine zones and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2026m or 6,647' elevation). The Park closes a 56km (34.8 mile) section of the road each winter due to inclement weather, heavy snowfall, and avalanche hazards. Annual spring opening of the road is a highly anticipated event for...
Steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains, Montana
Image showing the overview of a study site in the steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains of southwest Montanataken by an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) while collecting data. The site’s complex terrain and topography are being studied to gain insights into snow depth and distribution in previously inaccessible areas.
Uncrewed aircraft system landing zone in Bridger Mountains
The Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) landing zone with the study site in the background. Bridger Mountains, MT.
The Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) landing zone with the study site in the background. Bridger Mountains, MT.
Science and Products
- Science
Remote Sensing Tools Advance Avalanche Research
The USGS Snow and Avalanche Project (SNAP) uses remotely sensed technologies to understand snowpack changes that influence water storage, recreation, avalanche hazard and acts as a driver of landscape change. Satellites, uninhabited aerial systems (UAS), and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry are some of the tools scientists use to collect high resolution imagery that supports ongoing snow...USGS Snow and Avalanche Project
Snow avalanches are a widespread natural hazard to humans and infrastructure as well as an important landscape disturbance affecting mountain ecosystems. Forecasting avalanche frequency is challenging on various spatial and temporal scales, and this project aims to fill a gap in snow science by focusing on reconstructing avalanche history on the continental mountain range scale - throughout the...Going-to-the-Sun Road Avalanche Forecasting Program
As the most popular attraction in Glacier National Park (GNP), the Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses scenic alpine zones and crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2026m or 6,647' elevation). The Park closes a 56km (34.8 mile) section of the road each winter due to inclement weather, heavy snowfall, and avalanche hazards. Annual spring opening of the road is a highly anticipated event for... - Data
- Multimedia
Steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains, Montana
Image showing the overview of a study site in the steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains of southwest Montanataken by an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) while collecting data. The site’s complex terrain and topography are being studied to gain insights into snow depth and distribution in previously inaccessible areas.
Image showing the overview of a study site in the steep terrain of the Bridger Mountains of southwest Montanataken by an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) while collecting data. The site’s complex terrain and topography are being studied to gain insights into snow depth and distribution in previously inaccessible areas.
Uncrewed aircraft system landing zone in Bridger MountainsThe Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) landing zone with the study site in the background. Bridger Mountains, MT.
The Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) landing zone with the study site in the background. Bridger Mountains, MT.
- Publications
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