Item: Spatial Clusters of Slab Stability and Snowpack Properties Within Avalanche Start Zones
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Title: Spatial Clusters of Slab Stability and Snowpack Properties Within Avalanche Start Zones
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors:
- Cam Campbell [ Department of Civil Engineering ]
- Bruce Jamieson [ Department of Civil Engineering ] [ Department of Geology and Geophysics University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada ]
Date: 2006
Abstract: During the winters of 2000-01 and 2001-02, 36 spatial arrays of closely spaced smallcolumn-type stability tests were performed, each in a day. Each array consisted of 16 to 120, 30 cm by 30 cm test columns arranged in a regular grid pattern, separated by 30 cm in both the up-slope and cross slope directions. The point stability, slab thickness and total snowpack depth data were analyzed with a new spatial clustering technique. Thirty-three percent of the arrays showed significant spatial clusters in either high or low point stability or both, which ranged in length 1.7 m to 3.8 m. Spatial clusters of high or low slab thickness, or both, were identified in 53% of the arrays, ranging in length from 1.7 m to 3.2 m. Spatial clusters in either high or low total snowpack depth were identified in 33% of the arrays, which ranged in length from 1.8 m to 2.7 m. These lengths are the maximum dimension of the clusters and, due to the extent of the arrays, considered to be minima.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: spatial variability, snow stability, avalanche start zones, clustering, snowpack stratigraphy, avalanche forecasting
Page Number(s): 44-53
Subjects: avalanche forecasting avalanche starting zones snow stability
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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