Item: The Compression Test for Snow Stability
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Title: The Compression Test for Snow Stability
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1996 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Bruce Jamieson [ Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta ]
- Colin Johnston [ Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta ]
Date: 1996
Abstract: The compression test is a quick stability test. It involves tapping on a shovel placed on top of a column of snow and noting the failures in weak layers that appear on the smooth walls of the column. Limited data show a correlation for compression scores (number of taps) with rutschblock scores and with the frequency of skier triggering on avalanche slopes. The effect of various experimental factors on compression scores are assessed. Two different designs of shovel blades (varying in size and shape) did not appear to affect the compression scores. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the columns increased the compression scores. Different operators generally obtained a score in the same range identified as easy, easy-moderate, moderate, moderate hard and hard.
Object ID: issw-1996-118-125.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: snow compression, snow stability, snow strength, snow physical properties, snow stratigraphy
Page Number(s): 118-125
Subjects: compression test snow stability snowpack properties
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