Item: The Avalanche Character Frequency of Reported Avalanche Events in Colorado, USA, 2011-2016
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Title: The Avalanche Character Frequency of Reported Avalanche Events in Colorado, USA, 2011-2016
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA
Authors:
- Spencer Logan [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Boulder, CO, USA ]
- Ethan Greene [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Boulder, CO, USA ]
Date: 2016-10-02
Abstract: North American avalanche practitioners developed nine Avalanche Characters, based on risk treatment strategies, weak layer, and slab characteristics of avalanches. Previous research in Canada and the United States classified the avalanche character in fatal avalanche accidents. In this study, we used a similar automated classification to categorize the avalanche character of avalanche events recorded by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center during avalanche years 2011-2016. The classification scheme categorized 52% (n=8546) of the avalanche events into Character. There was insufficient data recorded to categorize the remaining 48% of events. Storm and Wind Slab avalanches accounted for 22% of events, Persistent Slab 13%, Deep Persistent Slab 2%, Loose Wet 11%, and Wet Slab 3%. Compared to our previous study of avalanche fatalities, Persistent or Deep Persistent Slab avalanches resulted in 90% of fatalities, but only 15% of events. This highlights the hazard that Deep Persistent and Persistent Slab avalanches pose to the recreating public. Our research allows for year-to-year and even day-to-day characterization. This could be used as a further tool to characterize current events and compare against past avalanche cycles
Object ID: ISSW16_O15.04.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: avalanche character, avalanche events, accidents
Page Number(s): 349-355
Subjects: avalanche events accidents avalanche warning strategies
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