Item: Avalanche Frequency and Magnitude: Using Power-Law Exponents to Investigate Snow Avalanche Size Proportions through Time and Space
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Title: Avalanche Frequency and Magnitude: Using Power-Law Exponents to Investigate Snow Avalanche Size Proportions through Time and Space
Proceedings: Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21-27, 2008
Authors:
- Adam Naisbitt [ Geography Department, University of Utah, S.L.C., UT ] [ Utah Department of Transportation, Alta, UT ]
- Richard Forster [ Geography Department, University of Utah, S.L.C., UT ]
- Karl W. Birkeland [ U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center, Boze man, MT ]
- William L. Harrison [ Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratories, Hanover, NH (Retired) ]
Date: 2008-09-22
Abstract: Power-laws provide a means for investigating snow avalanche frequency-magnitude relationships and their contributing factors. This research uses power laws to explore variations in avalanche size proportions through space and time, as well as investigating factors which may contribute to these variations. Data utilized for this work includes the Westwide Avalanche Network data from the western United States for regional analyses, with path-specific analyses focused on data from Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon. Results show power-law exponents vary through space both at the regional level and between individual avalanche paths. Avalanche size proportions, with respect to space, are the product of terrain based variables at both the mountain range and the path levels, with alpha angles significantly correlated to the proportion of small to large avalanches. This research also indicates that variation in exponents through time is indicative of changes in seasonal weather and snowpack characteristics, with mean snow height also significantly correlated to the proportion of small to large avalanches. Knowledge of power-law exponents for particular avalanche paths, and their relationship to seasonal snowpack depth, may be helpful for managing avalanches along highway corridors, in ski areas, or in backcountry forecasting operations.
Object ID: P__8119.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): William Naisbitt
Keywords: power-law exponent, snow avalanche size proportions, frequency and magnitude
Page Number(s): 747
Subjects: fracture mechanics avalanche dynamics
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