Item: Field Measurement of Snow Creep in a Radiation Snow Climate, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
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Title: Field Measurement of Snow Creep in a Radiation Snow Climate, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2004 International Snow Science Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Authors:
- Nicholas G. Caselli [ Fort Lewis College Department of Geosciences ]
Date: 2004
Abstract: Real-time creep data may one day be incorporated into avalanche forecasting practices. Although numerous methods of creep data collection have contributed to the understanding of snow mechanics and creep processes, no standard method has been developed that could provide strain data in all types of snow conditions. This study evaluated several methods of strain data collection in a radiation snow climate, with a focus on creep behavior near prominent melt-freeze crusts. Phase I took place at Molas Pass, CO in April and May 2003. Three different creep measurement methods were evaluated. Creep, settlement, weather, and snow stratigraphy data were collected at five–day intervals. Phase II took place at the Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies’ Swamp Angel Study Plot at Red Mountain Pass, CO during the winter of 2003-2004. Weather data was available from the CSAS weather station. A Tyrolean traverse was constructed for access to the study area with minimal disturbance to the snow cover. Snow profiles were recorded and sawdust columns and ping-pong ball columns were emplaced at one-month intervals starting December 21, 2003. On March 21, 2004 the columns were excavated and total creep and settlement of the columns were observed. Major differences in creep and settlement above crustal boundaries were observed, but the behavior at those boundaries is still unknown. Settlement was found to be more dominant than creep on south-aspect slopes during winter conditions and on north-aspect slopes during isothermal conditions. Consideration should be given to the effects of heat flow, liquid water flow, and creep pressures when designing creep-measurement experiments.
Object ID: issw-2004-012-021.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: snow creep, avalanches, creep measurement, radiation snow climate, melt-freeze crusts
Page Number(s): 12-21
Subjects: avalanche forecasting snow climate snow creep
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