Item: Synoptic Scale Storm Tracks with Specific Density Trends, Leading to Natural Avalanches on HW 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
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Title: Synoptic Scale Storm Tracks with Specific Density Trends, Leading to Natural Avalanches on HW 210, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah
Proceedings: 2002 International Snow Science Workshop, Penticton, British Columbia
Authors:
- Glen Merrill [ UDOT Avalanche Safety Office, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah ]
Date: 2002
Abstract: A review of historical avalanche and meteorological data for Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah allowed a relationship to be found between synoptic scale storm tracks, density trends, and natural avalanching on Utah State Road 210 (SR). It is thought that specific synoptic scale storm tracks produce specific density trends within the new snow during a storm. These density trends have importance to the avalanche forecaster when evaluating the likelihood of instabilities within the new snow. In order to find relationships of events, density trends were divided into three cases. Case 1- Decreasing density trends throughout the storm (>2% decrease in density during storm). Case 2- Similar density throughout storm (No greater than 2% fluctuation in density). Case 3- Increasing density throughout the storm (>2% increase in density during storm). 500 mb geopotential height analysis were constructed and grouped for each of the above cases. Similarities between these groupings were found, and average 500 mb geopotential height analysis for each of the cases were constructed. The results of these findings will be identified in the following paper.
Object ID: issw-2002-425-432.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: natural avalanches, density trends, synoptic scale storm tracks, historical weather data, historical avalanche data
Page Number(s): 425-432
Subjects: synoptic scale storm tracks natural avalanches historical avalanche data
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