On the Flow of Avalanching Snow

Abstract Variation of flow depth of a flowing avalanche caused by a change in the slope angle is examined using Bernoulli’s energy equation, used in hydraulics to determine a non-uniform steady flow. This equation is modified for a material with internal friction and a strongly curved track. The cal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Author: Heimgartner, M.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1977
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000029385
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000029385
Description
Summary:Abstract Variation of flow depth of a flowing avalanche caused by a change in the slope angle is examined using Bernoulli’s energy equation, used in hydraulics to determine a non-uniform steady flow. This equation is modified for a material with internal friction and a strongly curved track. The calculated flow depths are compared with those obtained by tests with a snow slide. In the flow model dry and turbulent friction are taken into account. Friction coefficients are estimated comparing calculated and measured flow depths. It appears that in wet snow they differ from those of dry snow. Finally, this model is used to calculate the runout distance of a natural avalanche.