Municipal Avalanche Zoning: Contrasting Policies of Four Western United States Communities

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Mears, Arthur I.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1980
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000010893; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000010893

Abstract Four communities in the western United States (Vail, Colorado; Ketchum, Idaho; Ophir, Colorado; and Juneau, Alaska) have detailed avalanche–hazard mapping available. In response to this detailed information, Vail restricts building in a red (high hazard) zone but permits specially designed buildings in the blue (moderate hazard) zone. Ketchum allows single–family dwellings in red or blue zones regardless of design but will not permit such structures to be rented from the period 15 November through 15 April of each year. Multi–family dwellings in Ketchum hazard zones must be designed for avalanche forces. Ophir will restrict buildings from the red zone and permit specially designed structures in the blue zone. Juneau does not restrict development in any avalanche–hazard zone.