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Source link In areas with heavy snowfall, avalanches can be a real risk. And yet, understanding the behavior of snow pack and its potential for dangerous releases has remained somewhat shrouded in mystery. But a new method of identifying when snow is likely to slide could be a game-changer for avalanche forecasting and safety.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia in Canada have identified a set of ‘ground rules’ for forecasting avalanches. Working in partnership with avalanche safety professionals, the team used weather logs and crowd-sourced data to complete their analysis of 14 large avalanches, which had occurred since 2017 between the Rocky Mountains and the Coast Mountains of Canada.
Their method identified four key aspects of the conditions most likely to cause large and dangerous avalanches. Notably, snowpacks which had been subject to long periods of extreme weather were more likely to release than those which exhibited shorter evidence of significant shifts. The presence of deeper layers of snow was also identified as an avalanche risk.
Moreover, the investigators found that while large avalanches could occur in avalanche paths used by hikers and backcountry tourists, they often occurred in low-traffic areas. These results underscore the importance of the more general approach to avalanche forecasting, which relies on awareness of current local snowpack conditions throughout a region, rather than relying on past data.
By identifying the ground rules of avalanche behavior, this research can help inform avalanche forecasts. The data can also enable avalanche professionals to recognize warning signs associated with developing snowpacks and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of large, dangerous slides. Ultimately, with improved knowledge and awareness, lives can be saved.
