Avalanche hazard evaluation and prediction at Rogers Pass

• Main Author: Schaerer, P. A.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: National Research Council of Canada. Division of Building Research 1962
• Subjects: avalanches; snowfall; snowstorms; climates; hazards; forecasting; avalanche; accumulation de neige; tempête de neige; climat; risque accidentel; prévision; Canada; glacier*
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.4224/20358573; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=fec94e91-405f-4700-8d64-fcdb36d55d88

The development of the avalanche defence for the Trans- Canada Highway through Glacier Park and the associated snow cover, weather and avalanche observations required for the specifications of the defence was the first of its kind in Canada. The current report contains a detailed description of the weather and snow cover observations taken, a summary of the experience gained in making the avalanche hazard evaluation and forecast, and finally an outline of the organization and duties of the future avalanche warning service. Avalanche hazard evaluation can be approached by two methods, the testing method and the analytical method. The testing method is based on snow cover evaluation carried out by observation of the snow profile, a technique used by the Swiss Snow and Avalanche Research Institute. The snow observations can be made by anyone since the conditions are clearly visible. Mountain climbers and skiers have a ` feeling' for snow and need little training to recognize snow that is likely to slide. The analytical method developed by the U.S. Forest Service is based on the observation that most avalanches are caused by snowfall and rain during or immediately afterward. Many factors make up the analytical method, of which snow stability evaluation of the original snow cover is one. Snow and weather observations at various locations in Glacier Park, snow cover type, snow fall and depth of cover are given in detail. : C'était la première fois au Canada qu'un système de protection contre les avalanches était mis au point. Il visait à protéger la Transcanadienne dans son parcours à travers le parc national des Glaciers et nécessitait des observations sur le manteau nival, les conditions mété orologiques et les avalanches. Le présent rapport présente une description détaillée des observations recueillies sur les conditions météorologiques et le manteau nival, un ré sumé de l'expérience acquise en évaluant et en prévoyant les risques d'avalanche et, enfin, un survol de l'organisation et des fonctions du futur service d'avis d'avalanche.