Item: Comparing Local Stream Flow Peaks to the Onset of Wet Avalanche Cycles
-
-
Title: Comparing Local Stream Flow Peaks to the Onset of Wet Avalanche Cycles
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Mark Saurer [ Park City Mountain Resort Snow Safety, Park City Utah, USA ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: When the snow has melted from the valley floors, peak flow levels in our local streams may help predict the onset of annual wet avalanche events. Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR), located on the Wasatch Back of Utah, is unique geographically when compared to neighboring resorts in the Cottonwood Canyons. With several east-facing low-elevation starting zones, PCMR tends to see the first wet avalanche activity of each spring. Additionally, the streams in the surrounding basin begin to flow early allowing for discharge monitoring and forecasting while upper elevation drainages are still covered in ice and snow. Forecasting the onset of wet slab activity each spring can be a challenge. Preliminary observations have been made at PCMR that show a relationship between the first stream flow peaks and wet avalanche activity. For this study, data from a network of automated local stream gauges were used to compare both archived and forecasted flows in local streams with the onset of these avalanches. This project is presented as a work in progress. Data sets are limited at this time and only preliminary results are presented. With future work, the author hopes to build upon this initial analysis and perhaps develop a reliable forecasting tool for use at PCMR and similar areas.
Object ID: issw-2012-069-076.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: wet slab avalanches, avalanche forecasting, stream discharge
Page Number(s): 69-76
Subjects: wet snow avalanches slab avalanche avalanche awareness
-