Item: Quantifying the Effectiveness of Active Mitigation on Transportation Corridors
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Title: Quantifying the Effectiveness of Active Mitigation on Transportation Corridors
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- David Hamre [ Alaska Railroad Corp., Anchorage, AK, USA ]
- Ethan Greene [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Buena Vista, CO, USA ]
- Stefan Margreth [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: Numerous efforts have been made to quantify avalanche risk in transportation corridors (Schaerer 1981, Hendrikx 2006, Margreth 2003, 2016), but little work has been done to quantify the effects of forecasting, closures, and explosives work in terms of actual risk reduction. We collected data on avalanche occurrences, avalanche mitigation techniques, and avalanche accidents from select areas in North America, South America, and Europe. By analyzing avalanche occurrence and closure data from specific transportation corridors, we were able to estimate the effectiveness of avalanche hazard mitigation programs. We use the ratio of artificially triggered and natural avalanches during closure periods to natural avalanches onto an open road to examine the effectiveness of avalanche hazard mitigation programs and techniques. Using the data on avalanche involvements in transportation corridors we get a better understanding of the likelihood of an avalanche accident resulting in injury or death. Comparisons are made between programs with forecasting only approaches versus very active use of explosives. In order to gauge forecasting effectiveness, the ratio of rounds fired to avalanches produced is also examined. These comparisons result in an improved view of the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.
Object ID: ISSW16_O19.02.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche, mitigation, risk reduction
Page Number(s): 435-441
Subjects: avalanche mitigation avalanche risk reduction avalanche hazard
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