A Study on High-Speed Avalanches in the Kurobe Canyon, Japan

Abstract

Observations and measurements were made of high-speed avalanches at Shiai-dani, the Kurobe canyon, to reveal their real features and properties, using strain-gauge-type load cells in measuring impact force and speed. A maximum impact pressure of 140 × 10⁴ N m^-2 was obtained, as well as data indicating the existence of a number of wave fronts, ranging in speed from 9 to 60 m s ^-1 inside an avalanche. Violent changes in atmospheric pressure ranging from -21 to +5 mbar were observed near its path when a high-speed avalanche passed by.