Submitted by jbjamies on Thu, 09/15/2011 - 15:27.
Publication Type:
Thesis
Source:
Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, p.139 (2011)
Keywords:
snow avalanche;
extreme runout;
alpha-beta;
runout ratio;
Fernie;
Columbia Mountains;
extreme value statistics
Abstract:
Extreme snow avalanche runout is typically estimated using a combination of historical and vegetation records as well as statistical and dynamic models. The two classes of statistical models (α – β and runout ratio) are based on estimating runout distance past the β-point, which is generally defined as the point where the avalanche slope incline first decreases to 10°. The parameters for these models vary from mountain range to mountain range.
In Canada, α – β and runout ratio parameters have been published for the Rocky and Purcell Mountains and for the British Columbia Coastal mountains. Despite active development, no suitable tall avalanche path model parameters have been published for the Columbia Mountains or for the Lizard Range area around Fernie, BC. Using a dataset of 70 avalanche paths, statistical model parameters have been derived for these regions. In addition, the correlation between extreme and average snowfall values and avalanche runout is explored.
