Item: Experiences on a storm causing avalanche cycles in south-west norway
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Title: Experiences on a storm causing avalanche cycles in south-west norway
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings
Authors: Njål Farestveit,* and Sara Skutlaberg Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Norway
Date: 2009
Abstract: Southern Norway has the 2nd and 3rd longest fjords in the world, respectively the Sognefjorden and the Hardangerfjorden, cutting deep into the old Caledonian Mountain Range. The Caledonides are striking from north to south along the Scandinavian Peninsula, including Norway and Sweden. There are several peaks reaching 2000 m asl. Low pressures coming from the North Atlantic Ocean causes frontal and orographic precipitation along the coast and in the western parts of the mountain range. Several areas in the mountains of western Norway have an annual precipitation exceeding 4000 mm, while the climate is much drier in eastern Norway and Sweden. During winter time, this results in heavy snow falls and severe avalanche related problems on minor and major roads located along fjords and in the mountains. The Sondre storm cycle in January 2008 caused heavy snow fall and strong winds in the mountains of southern Norway. This resulted in several avalanches blocking all road connections between the 2nd largest city, Bergen, on the western coast and the capital, Oslo, on the eastern coast. Many of the avalanches had an extremely long run out distance. A mountain cabin, located several hundreds of meters away from the mountain foot, was moved by an avalanche and cars were trapped in between avalanches for up to two days.
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: orographic precipitation, road administration, storm cycle, case study
Subjects: storm cycle avalanche cycles south-west norway
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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