Item: Spatial Variabiity of Snowpack on Small Wind Effected Slopes, Central Svalbard
-
-
Title: Spatial Variabiity of Snowpack on Small Wind Effected Slopes, Central Svalbard
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Wesley R. Farnsworth [ Arctic Geology Department, University Centre in Syvalbard, Norway ] [ Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Norway ]
- Markus Eckerstorfer [ Arctic Geology Department, University Centre in Syvalbard, Norway ] [ Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Norway ]
- Hanne H. Christiansen [ Arctic Geology Department, University Centre in Syvalbard, Norway ] [ Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, Norway ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Spatial variability studies of snowpack stability have predominantly been conducted on sheltered uniform slopes despite mountains and avalanche starting zones being dominantly rugged windaffected terrain. This study strives to correlate trends in ground topography with trends in snow stability to better understand spatial variations across wind-affected irregular slopes in the high-relief landscape of central arctic Svalbard. The expected outcome of this research is to gain insight of seasonal snowpack development and how the geomorphological and meteorological snow in-fill processes influence weak layer evolution and reactivity. A small wind-affected slope (45 x 35 m) with irregular terrain and variable slope inclinations (32°– 58°) was monitored and analyzed. 60 extended column tests were conducted in a grid of 30 snow pits across the slope as well as two stratigraphic profiles (horizontal & vertical) were excavated bordering the grid. Previous research suggests that the weakest zones on slopes for artificial trigger points coincide with the shallowest snow and steepest sections. Results from this small data set suggest that not only is there a minimum threshold value regarding shallow trigger points, but in some cases depending on seasonal snowpack development it is possible to have the inverse relationship between stability and slab thickness. Also deeper zones present a greater number of potential instabilities, but often in a more stable/protected state. In summary, topography and a general understanding of seasonal snowpack development (rain events or wind activity) are key to understanding depth and distribution of instabilities.
Object ID: issw-2012-467-472.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: spatial variability, snowpack, slopes, artificial trigger points, weak layer
Page Number(s): 467-472
Subjects: snow stratigraphy snowpack properties weak layers
-