Item: A Comparison of Avalanche Hazard Methodologies
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Title: A Comparison of Avalanche Hazard Methodologies
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Robert H. Comey [ Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson, Teton Village, WY, USA ] [ Bridger-Teton national Forest Avalanche Center, Jackson, WY, USA ]
- Chris McCollister [ Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson, Teton Village, WY, USA ] [ Bridger-Teton national Forest Avalanche Center, Jackson, WY, USA ]
- Jake Elkins [ Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson, WY, USA ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Large, active avalanche paths in the Casper Bowl and Crags areas of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are situated above open ski runs. The hazard from these paths has been mitigated by two different methodologies. For 23 seasons, from 1966 to 1997, the starting zones of these avalanche paths were closed to skiers, and artillery was used to reduce the hazard. During the past 17 seasons, the hazard has been mitigated by running hand charge routes in combination with the use of bomb trolleys and an avalauncher. "Hiking only" access has been provided to this terrain during this period. This study reviewed and analyzed 40 seasons of avalanche activity for the slide paths in the Casper and Crags are-as. Observations indicate that the occurrence of both artificially and naturally triggered large avalanches (destructive size class III and larger) was significantly reduced during the latter period.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P3.31.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: ski compaction, artillery, avalanche hazard mitigation
Page Number(s): 1031-1034
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