Item: A Characterization of Snow Gliding and Potential Predisposing Factors in a Full-Depth Slab Avalanche Release Area (Valle d’Aosta, NW Italian Alps)
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Title: A Characterization of Snow Gliding and Potential Predisposing Factors in a Full-Depth Slab Avalanche Release Area (Valle d’Aosta, NW Italian Alps)
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- E. Ceaglio [ Fondazione Montagna Sicura - Montagne Sûre, Italy ] [ Ufficio neve e valanghe, Assetto idrogeologico dei bacini montani, Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta, Ita ly ] [ Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari and NatRisk-LNSA, University of Torino, Italy ]
- M. Freppaz [ Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari and NatRisk-LNSA, University of Torino, Italy ]
- G. Filippa [ Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari and NatRisk-LNSA, University of Torino, Italy ]
- S. Ferraris [ Dipartimento Interateneo di Scienze, Progetto e Politiche del Territorio, Università e Politecnico di Tor ino, Italy ]
- E. Zanini [ Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari and NatRisk-LNSA, University of Torino, Italy ]
- V. Segor [ Ufficio neve e valanghe, Assetto idrogeologico dei bacini montani, Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta, Ita ly ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: In recent years many progresses have been made in the comprehension of the glide avalanches; however processes leading to this kind of phenomena are still poorly understood and therefore represent a major point of uncertainty for avalanche forecasting. In this study, we aimed to contribute to the snow gliding understanding, with particular attention to the snow/soil interface properties and meteorological parameters. The study area, located in the NW Italian Alps, consists of an avalanche site, running on a west exposed slope; in the release area, typically characterized by intense snow gliding, with the formation of a big glide crack often leading to the occurrence of a full-depth slab avalanche, a monitoring site was settled. Two plots were chosen and equipped with snow glide shoes; temperature and water content sensors were located at different soil and snow depths. Meteorological data were recorded by an automatic weather station; snowpack properties were collected by manual snow profiles. Data were gathered in two hydrological years, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, characterized by different meteorological conditions. Preliminary results will be presented focusing on the relationship between the gliding process, the soil and snow properties and the weather conditions, in order to identify the main environmental factors controlling the development of snow gliding, and potentially provide moisture/temperature thresholds for the release of a gliding avalanche.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: unknown
Keywords: snow gliding, full-depth avalanche, avalanche forecasting, glide crack activity
Page Number(s): 561-568
Subjects: snow gliding snow cover monitoring and modelling temperature
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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