Item: The SME Avalanche Tragedy of January 20, 2003: A Summary of the Data
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Title: The SME Avalanche Tragedy of January 20, 2003: A Summary of the Data
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2004 International Snow Science Workshop, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Authors:
- Dick Penniman [ Snowbridge Associates ]
- Frank Baumann [ Baumann Engineering ]
Date: 2004
Abstract: On January 20, 2003 guided skiers and snowboarders with the Selkirk Mountain Experience (SME) Company climbed a 310 meter long, 36°-37° avalanche slope on Tumbledown Mountain in the Durrand Glacier area in the Northern Selkirks of British Columbia. In switch back fashion two groups of 10 and 11 each followed one after the other. The individuals within each group were told to space themselves approximately five feet apart. As several members of the lead group reached a convex roll at the top of the slope, a large avalanche released catching thirteen people below. Seven were killed. This paper presents the significant terrain, snowpack, weather, and human factor data that contributed to this tragic avalanche event.
Object ID: issw-2004-520-530.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: couloir, wind-loading, weak layer, terrain risk
Page Number(s): 520-530
Subjects: persistent weak layers risk management snow avalanche
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