Item: Artificial Avalanche Release and the Probability of Triggering Secondary Avalanches
-
-
Title: Artificial Avalanche Release and the Probability of Triggering Secondary Avalanches
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Lukas Stoffel [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Stefan Margreth [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
- Jurg Schweizer [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: Today, avalanches are often artificially triggered to protect ski areas and to some extent, transportation routes and residential areas. During avalanche control, unwanted secondary avalanches may also be triggered in adjacent avalanche paths. Damage potential and secondary avalanches are two important factors to consider when evaluating the practicality of artificial release in an avalanche path or elaborating a safety concept. A too high risk of secondary avalanches can be a no go criterion for the application of artificial release in a specific area. In 2012 we elaborated a guideline with evaluation criteria how to estimate the likelihood of triggering a secondary avalanche. The probability of triggering secondary avalanches can be classified in three classes which are mainly based on topographical features, snow distribution and climatic conditions (main wind direction). Secondary avalanches are most often triggered as a result of crack propagation in the snowpack. Other trigger possibilities are the effect of the air blast wave and of ground vibrations.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_O1-14.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: artificial release of avalanches, secondary avalanches, application of artificial avalanche release, safety concept
Page Number(s): 779-782
Subjects: artificial release avalanche safety avalanche triggering
-