Item: An Approach to Ski Area Avalanche Control
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Title: An Approach to Ski Area Avalanche Control
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1976 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Alberta
Authors:
- C. Israelson
Date: 1976
Abstract: The Lake Louise ski area is situated east of the continental Divide in the Canadian Rockies, within Banff National Park. The present lift-serviced area forms a rough triangle measuring about 5.6 km along each side, and ranges from approximately 1500-2600 m above sea level. The climate may be classed as High Alpine, with the characteristic relatively shallow snowpack and very cold winter temperatures. The snowpack is usually quite weak, with temperature gradient metamorphism common in the lower levels of the snowpack. The ski area is a private business operating on public land leased from Parks Canada. The lift company is responsible for all skier services other than avalanche control. To prevent an obvious conflict of interest, Park Wardens are responsible for carrying out all avalanche forecasting, control and rescue functions. There are 46 distinct controlled avalanche slopes within the Lake Louise ski area. Many of these have more than one trigger zone.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: temperature gradient, metamorphism, rescue, trigger zone
Page Number(s): 19-23
Subjects: avalanche control temperature gradient avalanche forecasting
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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