International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Observations on the Development/Destruction of Potential Sliding Layers in a Path Controlled With Large Amounts of Explosives and Artillery

• • Title: Observations on the Development/Destruction of Potential Sliding Layers in a Path Controlled With Large Amounts of Explosives and Artillery

    Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska

    Authors:

    • Mike Stanford  [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]
    • Brandon Levy  [ Washington State Department of Transportation ]

    Date: 2012

    Abstract: The Old Faithful slide area just west from the summit of Stevens Pass in central Washington State is a time tested area for Avalanches. Thousands of rounds of Artillery and tens of thousands of pounds of explosives have been used over the years to control the hazard to US Highway 2. The area receives an average snowfall of 454” per year. Big snowfall events followed by rain events are a common scenario. WSDOT Forecaster/Controllers employ a hazard mitigation philosophy of “no snow, no hazard” in this area. If there is little or no snow in the starting zones, then the hazard to the highway can be greatly reduced. Unlike ski area mitigation strategies, there is no reason for us to maintain “skiable” terrain. Large explosive charges, 25-200 lbs. are the norm. With Ski Area expansion, the increase in “side country” skiing and dawn patrolling, increasing numbers of skiers and boarders are finding their way into controlled paths that affect the highway. The need to hone forecasting skills with these paths is becoming more and more important. Depending on “Backcountry” forecasts and observations or profiles done outside these areas may be dangerous as the snowpack in these highway chutes is not like the snowpack outside the areas that are controlled for the simple reason that it has been altered by the use of explosives. This poster will examine the development/destruction of potential sliding layers within one of the main chutes in the Old Faithful Area caused by the artillery and explosives used to control the hazard to the highway. We will compare this information with a similar chute not affected by Artillery or Explosives.

    Object ID: issw-2012-904-907.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): unknown

    Keywords: old faithful, highway, forecasts

    Page Number(s): 904-907

    Subjects: artificial avalanche release techniques explosives avalanche hazard

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