Snow Avalanche Hazards and Mitigation in the United States (1990) / Chapter Skim
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7. Avalanche Research
7. Avalanche Research
Pages 51-61
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From page 51... ...
Topics include impact measurements at instrumented field sites and experimental chutes, studies of glide phenomena, laboratory investigations. computer flow modeling.
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From page 52... ...
Snow and Ice Physics. FISAR operates a 90-station observation network throughout Switzerland, an avalanche warning service, a library, four cold laboratories, instrumented test fields, forestation test fields, an instrumented experimental avalanche chute, both stationary and mobile frequency-modulated continuous wave radars, and mobile Doppler radar units for velocity studies.
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From page 53... ...
The main research projects include field measurements of forces due to snow creep, avalanche speeds and impact pressures, avalanche-producecI water waves (NOT, 1984, 1986) , and statistical and numerical estimation methods for extreme avalanche runout distances (Bakkehoi, 1987; Lied and Toppe, 1989~.
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From page 54... ...
Areas of research concentration include avalanche dynamics, quasistatic and dynamic forces on structures, avalanche prediction, and snow structure (McClung and Schaerer, 1983; McClung, 1977, 1979, 1981; Hungr and McClung, 1987; McClung and Lied, 1987; McClung and Larson, 1989; McClung et al., 1984; PerIa, 1978a,b, 1985; PerIa et al., 1980; Dozier et al., 1987; Schaerer and Sallway, 1980~. Despite the quality of this research, the research group is small and is currently threatened by budget trimming (D.
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From page 55... ...
The University of Washington, Montana State University, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and Colorado State University now conduct funded research on mechanical properties, optical properties, blowing snow, snow melt hydrology, etc., but little if anything in the way of direct avalanche studies. This lack of avalanche research reflects the absence of organized funding, not the lack of worthwhile research targets.
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From page 56... ...
Field and laboratory research is needed to develop and test new methodologies and to refine existing procedures for delineating and mapping avalanche hazards (Martinelli, 1984; Mears, 1984~. Additional topics include avalanche control measures, such as reforestation (Montagne et al., 1984; Jaccard, 1985~; structural methods and explosive delivery systems (Brugnot, 1987, 1989; Rapin, 1989~; and rescue methods, including development of electronic transceivers to locate avalanche victims flying and Smythe, 1984; Good, 1986; Dozier et al., 1989~.
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From page 57... ...
the snow avalanche problem is not as serious a problem as some others and therefore may be placed on a lower priority level; and (c) the avalanche problem has such a broad interdisciplinary nature that, without a concerted effort on the part of funding agencies such as NSF to define appropriate programs responsible for funding, most programs would hesitate to assume responsibility.
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From page 58... ...
Unfortunately, when weighed against the economic magnitude of the avalanche problem in the United States and the current economic climate for research funding, establishing such a research center would seem hard to Justin. Although the federal economic climate could change, and other possibilities for research support could be developed via public endowment, industrial sponsorship, or through such techniques as "snow safety" surcharges attached to commercial ski tickets or backcountry users, at present a national center concept does not seem supportable.
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From page 59... ...
The now-defunct Fort Collins avalanche program began in this fashion, with an overall program including wind transport and deposition, hydrologic aspects of mountain snow cover, and interaction of snow with timber production. The avalanche portion was shut down in 1985, associated with a reduction in hydrologic studies and an increase in acid precipitation research.
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From page 60... ...
The current lack of significant USGS involvement in snow avalanche research reflects several factors, including the perception within the USGS that the topic was authoritatively and comprehensively embraced by the USES and the inadequacy of funding resources to allow full response to other high-priority slope failure topics such as warning systems and technical assistance responsibilities. Yet snow avalanche studies are recognized as having direct relevance to landslide research (and vice versa)
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From page 61... ...
61 Center was proposed for the Salt Lake City/Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, location as a USFSfounded entity cooperating with the University of Utah, the U.S. Army Tooele Depot and Dugway Proving Ground, and the National Weather Service (Anderson, 1977~.
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