Item: Near-Surface Faceted Crystals and Avalanche Dynamics in High-Elevation, Tropical Mountains of Bolivia
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Title: Near-Surface Faceted Crystals and Avalanche Dynamics in High-Elevation, Tropical Mountains of Bolivia
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2000 International Snow Science Workshop, October 1-6, Big Sky, Montana
Authors:
- Douglas Hardy [ Climate Systems Research Center and Department of Geosciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA ]
- Mark W. Williams [ Department of Geography and Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder CO ]
- Carlos Escobar [ Bolivian Association of Mountain Guides, La Paz, Bolivia ]
Date: 2000
Abstract: The importance of near-surface faceted crystals in forming weak layers associated with snow avanches has recently received greater attention. However, there is still much to be learned concerning the formation and growth of these crystal types, their geographical extent, and related avalanche activity. Here we report of a spatially extensive avalanche cycle that occurred during late September 1999 at high-elevations in the Bolivian claiming two lives. Climbers released one slide at about 5,300 m in the Cordillera Apolobamba (on EI Presidente), and four days later snow scientists servicing a high-elevation meteorological site triggered another at 6300 m near the summit of IIlimani (Cordillera Real). Both slab avalanches followed lateral fracture propagation through 25-50 cm of relatively new snow; deeper pockets existed due to wind redistribution. Analysis of a snowpit on lIlimani, from a nearby and safe location, showed that the avalanche ran on a thick layer of near-surface faceted crystals overlying the austral winter dry-season snow surface. Average size of the crystals was 5-7 mm, and individual crystals exceeded 10 mm in diameter. We evaluate local and regional meteorological information in an effort to understand what caused the growth of these large crystals and the resultant snowpack instability. Insights are offered regarding the avalanche hazard due to near-surface faceted crystal growth in high-elevation areas of the Tropics, where avalanches are not generally recognized as a significant hazard during the climbing season.
Object ID: issw-2000-109-114.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: avalanches, avalanche formation, snow, snow stratigraphy, mountains
Page Number(s): 109-114
Subjects: near-surface faceted crystals tropical mountains avalanche
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