Elastic Stresses in Layered Snow Packs

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Smith, F. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1972
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002214300002236x; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002214300002236X

Abstract A two-dimensional finite element computer program has been used to compute the elastic stress distribution in realistic multi-layered snow packs. Computations have been done on three-layered and five-layered snow packs intended to simulate conditions on the Lift Gully at Berthoud Pass, Colorado. Calculations have been performed to determine the effect of a layer of new snow and the effect of a weak sub-layer. Stress levels were obtained which are reasonable compared with available snow strength data.