A chronology of high‐magnitude snow avalanches reconstructed from archived newspapers

Abstract

Purpose -Using local historical data, the purpose of this paper is to compile a chronology of high-magnitude snow avalanches to illustrate the effectiveness of information published in newspapers in assisting the management of natural hazards. Design/methodology/approach -Major transportation lines parallel the southern boundary of Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, an area where snow avalanches occur frequently and occasionally block transportation corridors. A 1986 study presented an avalanche chronology for the study area based on information collected from the 1946 to 1982 issues of a local weekly newspaper. We extend that existing data set here by using the same newspaper, recording avalanche occurrences and impacts reported in the newspaper from 1982 to 2005. Findings -The newly updated chronology is presented, with trends and temporal patterns for the entire 1946-2005 data set analyzed. A decrease in reported avalanches, from the 1960s onward, is noted. Additionally, reported avalanches shifted from occurring most frequently in February to January in the last 20 years.Research limitations/implications -The results of this research illustrate the use of newspaper reports as an inexpensive, but effective, way to compile a chronology of high-magnitude snow avalanches. This research method tends to underreport smaller magnitude events that do not affect the transportation linkages. Practical implications -Snow avalanche managers could use this method to compile a chronology of events when other, more traditional techniques, are not available or too expensive. Originality/value -This paper uses a rarely utilized but inexpensive and widely available data source to construct a 59-year avalanche chronology in an area constantly threatened by snow avalanches.

Dendrogeomorphology and high-magnitude snow avalanches: a review and case study

“…Historical corroboration (Sawyer and Butler, 2006) exists for the avalanche winters of 1945, 1952, 1954, 1972, 1979, 1982, 1991, and 1997. Avalanching in 1996 was observed on an adjacent path (Hanging Tree) by the senior author, and may corroborate the 1996 date as well.…”

“…Recall that Butler and Malanson (1985) and Butler et al (1987) advocated an Index Number cut-off of 40%, whereas more recent studies with greater numbers of samples (dozens vs. hundreds) suggest that Index Numbers as low as 10% are acceptable. In our study area, the recent expansion of the historical record of avalanching by Reardon et al (2004) and Sawyer and Butler (2006) allows us to suggest that a 20% Index Number is appropriate, rather than the more stringent 40% that was based on a significantly more limited historical record, for use with a small sample size of trees that are not in situ.…”

“…In northwestern Montana, USA, over 40 avalanche paths are located within John F. Stevens Canyon, and snow avalanches there frequently disrupt highway and rail traffic on US Highway 2 (US 2), and the Burlington Northern -Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) (Butler and Malanson, 1985;Butler 1986bButler , 1987bReardon et al, 2004;Sawyer and Butler, 2006). The avalanches originate primarily on unmanaged slopes to the north in Glacier National Park (GNP), with some coming from the adjacent National Forest (also unmanaged) to the south.…”

“…A tree-ring chronology for Shed 7 up through 1983 was reported by Butler and Malanson (1985). A general history of high-magnitude avalanche winters throughout JFS Canyon was provided by Butler (1986a, b), and this chronology was expanded and supplemented by Reardon et al (2004) and Sawyer and Butler (2006). Avalanches were widespread (occurring on at least two different avalanche paths) in 1910, 1929, 1933, 1936, 1939, 1945, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1963, 1972, 1975, 1979, 1982, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, and 2002(Sawyer and Butler, 2006.…”

Historical Landslides in the Prefecture of Ioannina – Collection and Analysis of Data

“…In this study, we consider the collection of historical data as a necessary process in order to approach landslides phenomena and the vulnerability of the human environment. A wealth of international literature (Dominguez Cuesta et al1999, Guzzetti et al 1994, 2002, Calcaterra et al2003, Carrara et al 2003, Tropeano and Turconi 2004, Tarhule 2005, Sawyer and Butler 2006, Devoli et al 2007aand b, Wrathall 2007) has used effectively press reports, databases and articles about landslide events and other natural disasters as valuable sources of information when compiling scientific accounts of landslides events. In line with this method, this study collects valuable information about the landslides events from a variety of sources such as technical reports, historical monographs, scientific documents, public libraries, internet and newspapers.…”