A Field Test to Assess Snow-Slope Stability

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Conway, H., Abrahamson, J., Young, R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1986
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Conway; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000012260; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000012260

Abstract A simple field test of snow-slope stability is proposed, which allows decisions about a number of factors recently described by Conway and Abrahamson (1984). These include spatial variation of snow strength along a slope, and progression of failure from a localized initial failure. Strength within the snow slab is considered as well as that at its base. A snow saw is required for the test and, because a number of tests can be made in a few minutes, much information on the state of the slope can be obtained in a practical time.