Characteristics of Flowing Snow and Avalanche Impact Pressures

Abstract

Experimental data on avalanche impact pressures and speeds from an avalanche path at Rogers Pass, B.C., are presented for both dry and wet avalanches. Data from small load cells (645 mm² surface) at various heights through the vertical cross-section of the avalanches show that the frequency of particle impact and hence flow density increases rapidly from top to bottom of the flow. Data from a large circular impact plate (196 000 mm²) just above the ground surface show that dry avalanches have relatively higher peak pressures and relatively lower average pressures than wet avalanches for a given speed. Longitudinal wave-like characteristics in the flow may be seen for both wet and dry avalanches, but they appear to be the exception rather than the rule. Comparison of pressure results with those of other studies shows good agreement for peak pressures, but average pressures are generally less than those of previous studies. This discrepancy is attributed to the past use of cells for which loading surface size approached typical particle size. The size effect may be demonstrated by comparison of small cell data with results from the large impact plate at Rogers Pass.