Item: Velocity and Mass Transport Measurements in a Snow Avalanche
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Title: Velocity and Mass Transport Measurements in a Snow Avalanche
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1994 International Snow Science Workshop, Snowbird, Utah, USA
Authors:
- J.D. Dent [ Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 ]
- B.E. Adams [ Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 ]
- I.J. Bailey [ Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 ]
- T.G. Jazbutis [ Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 ]
- D.S. Schmidt [ Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717 ]
Date: 1994
Abstract: A small avalanche path near the Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Southwestern Montana has been instrumented to measure avalanche velocities in the interior of an avalanche. The instrumentation consists of photoelectric detectors mounted in the avalanche path that measure reflected infrared light from the snow as the avalanche passes by the sensors. A cross correlation of two signals from a pair of sensors then yields the velocity of the snow. A vertical arrangement of photo sensor pairs produces a measurement of the avalanche velocity as a function of height within the avalanche. Measurements are also made of how much and from where snow is transported in the avalanche. Topographic surveys are made of the avalanche slope before and after the avalanche has run. Over 450 points are surveyed to accurately define the location of the pre and post-avalanche snow surface. A comparison of the two surfaces then provides information on where snow has been removed and where it has been deposited by the avalanche.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: velocity, avalanche properties, avalanche path
Page Number(s): 347-359
Subjects: snow avalanche snow transportation avalanche velocity
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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