Snow Avalanches: Hazard Planning and Avoidance

Dulci Bosma, Christine Williams, Becky Cookman
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931

This page is designed to provide information pertaining to the physical mechanics, hazards, defense and control structures and planning for personal safety. The information is provided with the general public in mind. There are several links to other web sites that provide information on geographical regions, case histories, and more additional information on forecasting of avalanches.

Physical Mechanisms provides information on the properties of snow and why avalanches occur.

Economic Impacts contains information on the risk to humans and property. A list is provided that details the direct and indirect costs from avalanche activity.

Planning and Protection provides information on the type of structures needed to protect against avalanche hazards and planning for development of these structures.

Personal Safety is detailed infromation for the person(s) interested in outdoor adventure in avalanche areas. There are several precautionary measures discussed as well as who to contact to gain additional information. Anyone planning an adventure into snow covered mountainous areas may find this information very useful.

Physical Mechanisms

Economic Impacts

Planning and Protection

Personal Safety

References

Mears, Arthur I., Design Criteria for Avalanche Control Structures in the Runout Zone,: USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-84, June 1981 pp 1-28.
Perla, Ronald I. and Martinelli, M. Jr., Avalanche Hanbook,: USDA Forest Service Agriculture Handbook 489, July 1976.
S.D., All You Ever Wanted to Know About Snow...,: Nature v336 November 24, 1988, pp330-331.
Trabant, D.C. et al., Snow Avalanches from Cold Regions Hydrology and Hydraulics,: edited by Ryan, W.L. and Crissman, R.D., New York: American Society of Engineers.
National Research Council Committee on Ground Failure Hazards Mitigation, 1990.: Snow Avalanche Hazards and Mitigation in the United States, Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.