Item: An Extraordinary Avalanche Winter in Troms, Norway - Special Avalanche Conditions – and the Tromdalen Avalanche Disaster
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Title: An Extraordinary Avalanche Winter in Troms, Norway - Special Avalanche Conditions – and the Tromdalen Avalanche Disaster
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Grenoble – Chamonix Mont-Blanc - October 07-11, 2013
Authors:
- Ragnar Glomseth [ Tromsø Red Cross Avalanche Rescue Team, Jonas Lies gt 31, 9009 Tromsø ] [ Anaestehsia and Critical Care Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø ]
- Tor André Skjelbakken [ Tromsø Red Cross Avalanche Rescue Team, Jonas Lies gt 31, 9009 Tromsø ]
- Knut Fredriksen [ Anaestehsia and Critical Care Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø ] [ Division of Emergency Medical Services, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø ]
Date: 2013-10-07
Abstract: This winter (12/13) was one of the most challenging ever for the regional avalanche rescue team in Tromsø, Norway, with (per 26 April) a total of 17 avalanche callouts and major incidents and several minor incidents. Six people died in four fatal avalanches. At least four other were caught without being buried in the snow. Two of the survivors used inflatable avalanche backpacks. In addition several highways and regional roads were frequently closed, often for long periods of time because of avalanches or avalanche danger. One road was closed for seven days before the ten meter deep avalanche debris could be cleared. The most significant and challenging event was the avalanche in Tromdalen, Senja, South of Tromsø on 26 March. Three snowmobilers were killed in the accident, and due to avalanche danger in an obvious terrain trap at the scene of the accident, the rescue operation had to be postponed for ten days. When rescue finally was safe it involved 300 rescuers from the police, volunteers, military and private organisations. The remaining avalanche danger on scene had to be cleared by use of Daisy Bell and military explosives. Debris was removed using two pisten bully and one excavator. The operation took four days before all three victims were located and removed, making this the largest avalanche rescue operation in Norway.
Object ID: ISSW13_paper_P1-47.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanche, rescue, accident
Page Number(s): 1148-1162
Subjects: avalanche rescue avalanche accidents avalanche fatalities
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