Item: Avalanche Forecasting in Juneau Alaska
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Title: Avalanche Forecasting in Juneau Alaska
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1976 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Alberta
Authors:
- R. Hutcheon
- L. Lie
Date: 1976
Abstract: Juneau lies in the rugged mountainous regions of southeast Alaska. This region, with its many islands and deep fjords, is within the maritime influences of the northeastern Pacific. Juneau's climate is characterized by little sunshine, moderate temperatures, and abundant precipitation (U S. Dept. of Commerce, 1976). At times, however, the climate reverts to continental conditions. In winter, this is characterized by temperatures below -20°C and gusty northeasterly winds. Average annual temperatures throughout southeast Alaska are between 5°C and 10°C, but in the winter months temperature extremes may range from ~29°C to +16°C (Searby 1971). Precipitation also varies greatly, with Little Port Walter (192 km south of Juneau) averaging 4780 mm annually and Skagway to the north averaging 660 mm annually. Comparing downtown Juneau's average annual precipitation, 2340 mm, with that of Juneau's Airport 14 km away, 1400 rom, demonstrates the wide variation within relatively short distances (U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1973). The steep, rugged terrain combined with abundant precipitation and widely varying temperatures during the winter months, result in a high threat of avalanche activity throughout Southeast Alaska (Fig . 1).
Object ID: issw-1976-101-115.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: forecasting, hazard zones, terrain, wet avalanche, dry snow avalanche
Page Number(s): 101-115
Subjects: hazard zones avalanche forecasting avalanche activity
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