International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Analysis of the Hazard Caused by Ice Avalanches From the Hanging Glacier on the Eiger West Face

• • Title: Analysis of the Hazard Caused by Ice Avalanches From the Hanging Glacier on the Eiger West Face

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2016 Proceedings, Breckenridge, CO, USA

    Authors:

    • Stefan Margreth  [ WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, Davos Dorf, Switzerland ]
    • Martin Funk  [ Laboratory of Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (VAW), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ]
    • Daniel Tobler  [ GEOTEST AG, Zollikofen, Switzerland ]
    • Pierre Dalban  [ GEOTEST AG, Zollikofen, Switzerland ]
    • Lorenz Meier  [ GEOPRAEVENT AG, Zurich, Switzerland ]
    • Juerg Lauper  [ Jungfrau Railways, Interlaken, Switzerland ]

    Date: 2016-10-02

    Abstract: The Eiger hanging glacier is located in the west face of the Eiger in the Bernese Alps (Swit-zerland). Large ice avalanches, especially if they trigger secondary snow avalanches, endanger parts of the ski area Jungfrau and the Jungfraujoch railway. The latter leads to the Jungfraujoch, one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. In autumn 2015, the formation of a crevasse immediately behind the front of the hanging glacier was detected, indicating an impending icefall with a maximum ice volume of 80'000 m³. Consequently, a hazard analysis was performed for four different scenarios with varying ice volumes and snow conditions. The analysis showed that a 100 m high rocky ridge situated in the main flow direction of the avalanches plays a crucial role due to its braking and deviating effect. Closure plans were prepared for the four scenarios investigated. The railway station is especially endangered in the extreme scenario assuming an ice volume of 80'000 m³ and unstable snow conditions. We therefore recommended to trigger avalanches below the hanging glacier artificially after snowfall events and to install an early warning and alarm system to minimize the closure times for the railway and ski area.

    Object ID: ISSW16_O7.04.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s):

    Keywords: Risk management, Ice avalanche, Avalanche simulation, Hazard assessment

    Page Number(s): 173-179

    Subjects: avalanche risk management ice avalanches Avalanche simulation

  • Get Full Article

Back to Home page