Characteristics of Two Full-Depth Slab Avalanches on Meall Uaine, Glen Shee, Scotland

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: William Davison, Richard, Keith Davison, Steven
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1987
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000005335; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000005335

Abstract The characteristics of two full-depth slab avalanches that occurred in 1982 and 1984 at the same location on Meall Uaine in Glen Shee, Scotland, are described. Notable features include the relatively low altitude of the site ( c . 670 m) compared to sites of other avalanches observed elsewhere in Scotland, the depth of snow involved (up to 4 m), a snow-pack similar to those recorded in the Cairngorm Mountains, and the entrainment, transport, and deposition of boulders and turf. The probability of the two avalanches occurring when they did was greater than 60%. It is suggested that further observations of full-depth slab avalanches might be obtained by identifying terrain similar to that of the site studied here.