Item: Storms and Avalanches of November 1995, Khumbu Himal, Nepal
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Title: Storms and Avalanches of November 1995, Khumbu Himal, Nepal
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1996 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Richard Kattelmann [ Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab, Star Route 1, Box 198, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 USA ]
- Tomomi Yamada [ 1nstitute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060 Japan ]
Date: 1996
Abstract: A severe storm struck the Nepal Himalaya on November 9 and 10, 1995. This storm was the most intense event to occur during the autumn in at least 50 years. The autumn season in the Himalaya tends to be quite dry, so this storm seemed extraordinary. Precipitation gages at lower elevations caught 50 to 200 mm of rain during the storm. Cold temperatures led to snowfall above 3,500 m in the Khumbu region of east Nepal, and snow depths increased rapidly with elevation. About 30-50 em of snow fell at 3,800 m; 50-100 em of snow was found at about 4,000 m; and 100-200 cm of snow was deposited above 5,000 m. The intense snowfall generated numerous avalanches throughout the region. A few had tragic consequences. The worst incident occurred near the village of Pangkha in the Gokyo Valley where a crowded lodge was destroyed by an isolated avalanche. Twenty-four people were killed there. Seven other deaths resulted from an avalanche in the Kanchenjunga area of far eastern Nepal. Many other people were involved in non-fatal avalanche accidents. Hundreds of people were stranded by the deep snows and approximately 550 people were flown out of the snow zone by helicopters. At least 100 animals were lost by burial in the deep snows. Village life in the higher areas was disrupted through much of the winter. The residual deep snows resulted in another avalanche cycle in March as percolating melt water destabilized slopes.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: severe storms, rare avalanches, nepal himalaya
Page Number(s): 276-278
Subjects: avalanche cycle avalanche fatalities avalanche accidents
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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