Perspectives on Snow Avalanche Dynamics Research

Abstract

As an introduction for non-specialists to the Special Issue on snow avalanche dynamics, this paper first outlines how understanding the dynamics of snow avalanches can contribute to reducing risk for settlements and infrastructure. The main knowledge gaps in this field of research concern (i) the properties of the flow regimes and the transitions between them, and (ii) the dynamics of mass change due to erosion and deposition. These two aspects are intertwined and determine not only the reach of an avalanche, but also its velocity, course and impact pressure. Experimental studies described in this Special Issue comprise a wide range of scales from small rotating drums to real snow avalanches. In addition, several papers describe post-event field surveys of specific avalanches and analyze them using different methods and techniques, demonstrating how valuable qualitative insight can be gained in this way. The theoretical developments range from exploratory studies of fluid–particle interactions to a comprehensive review of half a century of avalanche flow modeling in Russia.

GIS-Based Spatial Modeling of Snow Avalanches Using Analytic Hierarchy Process. A Case Study of the Šar Mountains, Serbia

“…In lithological terms, the numerous types of rocks represented on the Šar Mountains are a suitable geological basis for the avalanche process. Taking into account the spatial distribution of snow avalanches, physical processes and the need of knowledge for mitigation purposes, three categories can be distinguished in the science of avalanches: avalanche geography, avalanche formation and avalanche dynamics [95]. In this study, the emphasis is on the geography of avalanches, that is, locations where there is a possibility for their formation and movement.…”

Co-creation with local governments and ski resorts to generate scientific information that contributes to ski resort avalanche safety management

“…Second, human resources and organizational structures to ensure the continued operation of the Niseko Rules need to be developed. Since the beginning of 2000, we have been researching avalanche forecasting and dynamics in Niseko (Hirashima et al, 2004, Nishimura et al, 20052018, Komatsu et al, 2022, working with the Niseko Avalanche Institute and developing relationships with local authorities (Niseko Town and Kutchan Town) and ski resorts. Promoted by these activities, NIED and the two towns signed a "Cooperative Agreement on the Prevention of Snow and Ice Disasters, including the Prevention of Avalanche Accidents" in March 2019.…”

Primary instability of a visco-plastic film down an inclined plane: experimental study

“…Mud and slurries, when they flow down a slope, are usually described as visco-plastic fluids. This large family encompasses very different fluids involved, for example, in industry (hydrocarbons, concrete, cosmetics, biomedical materials, emulsions), in food processing (jam, butter, ketchup, mayonnaise) or in other natural phenomena (lava flows (Blake 1990), avalanches (Nishimura & Maeno 1987), debris flows (Iverson 1997)). Those fluids have in common two characteristics: (i) they exhibit a yield-stress behaviour, i.e.…”