Item: A History of Mitigation and Operational Forecasting on Red Mountain Pass, Colorado
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Title: A History of Mitigation and Operational Forecasting on Red Mountain Pass, Colorado
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado
Authors:
- Jerry Roberts [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center-Silverton, Colorado ]
- Mark Rikkers [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center-Silverton, Colorado ]
- Noel Pete Peterson [ Colorado Department of Transportation-Avalanche Reduction Program, Retired ]
Date: 2006
Abstract: The San Juan Mountains are an abrupt and youthful mountain range notorious for a very fragile and unstable continental snowpack. In the 19th century, mining interests penetrated the San Juan Mountains. Precipitous wagon roads were created from animal trails, which eventually became routes of transportation for trains and automobiles. Many explorers, miners and road builders lost their lives to avalanches mainly because they traveled, built structures and worked in hazardous mountain terrain. Several of these traveled routes evolved into paved highways. Today these transportation arteries require avalanche mitigation to insure the safety of those who travel upon them. This presentation describes the history of mitigation and operational forecasting by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in the mountains around Silverton, Colorado from 1956 to 2006.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Jerry Roberts, Colorado Avalanche Information Center-Silverton, Colorado, Mark Rikkers, Colorado Avalanche Information Center-Silverton, Colorado, Noel “Pete†Peterson, Colorado Department of Transportation-Avalanche Reduction Program, Retired
Keywords: forecasting, fatalities, safety, transportation
Page Number(s): 304
Subjects: avalanche forecasting fatalities avalanche safety
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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