International Snow Science - Montana State University Library

Item: Spatial variability -- so what?

• • Title: Spatial variability -- so what?

    Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado

    Authors: Jurg Schweizer, Kalle Kronholm, J. Bruce Jamieson and Karl W. Birkeland. WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos, Switzerland, International Centre for Geohazards ICG, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute NGI Oslo, Norway

    Date: 2006

    Abstract: Since the landmark papers of Conway and Abrahamson many studies have tried quantify spatial variability. Many different methods have been used and the studies covered a variety of sclaes. Accordingly, some results appear contradictory, suggesting that the degree of spatial variation varies widely. This is not surprising, and is partly due to the methodology used and of course, due to varying natural conditions. Spatial variability is doubtless an inherent property of the snow pack. One important result seems to be that the layering is less variable than, for example, the stability of small column tests. Whereas it is often perceived that the results of the studies were not conclusive, it seems clear that they completely changed our view of spatial variability. We realized the importance of scale issues. For example, the variation will strongly depend on the measurement scale -- the so-called support-- of the method (SnowMicroPen vs. compression test vs. rutschblock test). Geostatistical analysis has been introduced and used to derive appropriate input data for numerical models. Model results suggest that spatial variation of strength properties have a substantial knockdown effect on slope stability and that the effect increases with increasing spatial correlation. The focus on scale has also revealed that spatial variations can promote instability or inhibit it. With the awareness of sclae we can now address the causes of spatial variability. Many processes such as radiation and wind act at several scales. the most challenging process is probably wind that might hinder prediction of variability at the slope scale. However, at the regional scale, already today, many avalanche forecasting services try to address differences in respect to slope aspect. We will review the present state of knowledge, discuss consequences for avalanche forecasting and snow stability evaluation, and recommend future research directions. Additional Authors: Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Geophysics and Geology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada, US Forest Service National Avalanche Center, Bozeman MT, U.S.A.

    Presenters: Unknown

    Keywords: radiation, wind, forecasting, snow stability

    Subjects: spatial variability snowpack avalanche forecasting

  • Get Full Article

    Digital Abstract Not Available

    Persistent Link

    Bookmark and Share

    Get Embed Code

Back to Home page