GE448 Snow science and avalanches

Contents and structure

The course content is divided into three modules: (1) snowpack processes, (2) avalanche formation and (3) avalanche hazard evaluation and mitigation. In the first module, students follow the snow on its way from the atmosphere to the ground with attention to processes leading to formation of layers in the snowpack. In the field, students get snow pit training and learn to differentiate layers in the snow with respect to grain size, grain shape, hardness, density and humidity. In the second module, students work with the physics behind snowpack stability and avalanche formation including snow mechanics and fracture mechanics. On one to two field days students evaluate snowpack instability and spatial variability through a variety of stability and shear tests. In the third and final module, students become familiar with the general risk management approach, avalanche forecasts, protection measures, hazard zoning including snow avalanche dynamics and modelling. Risk management approach and protection measures are exemplified during a one day field excursion.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

Students will have:

• knowledge about how weather and climate influence snow distribution, from the microscale to the orogenic scale
• insight into the physical processes that lead to the formation of snow in the atmosphere and the metamorphism of snow on the ground
• knowledge of different types of avalanches and avalanche formation processes
• knowledge of avalanche hazard evaluation and mitigation

Skills

Students will be able to:

• describe a snow profile in the field and divide the snowpack in layers based on grain size, gain form, hardness, density, and humidity
• evaluate snowpack stability in the field through a variety of stability and shear tests
• evaluate a particular avalanche event, with respect to the underlying physical processes on the microscale and macroscale
• identify avalanche terrain and avalanche tracks guided by various map sources and/or field observations
• estimate and critically evaluate the runout based on empiric-statistical and dynamic avalanche models
• identify and utilize research results from avalanche science journals

General competence

Students will:

• have an understanding of the major topics, facts and issues related to snowpack and avalanche formation, as well as avalanche hazard evaluation and mitigation

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

FY400 Introduction to Physics

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work and 3-4 days of field practice.

Compulsory learning activities

• Participation in fieldwork (3-4 days)
• Publication of field observations from field days on RegObs
• Oral presentation during one of the field days
• Discussion of 2 scientific papers

Assessment

Written examination under supervision, 4 hours. Grades A-F.

Examination support material

Simple calculator

Dictionaries in the participant's native language

More about examination support material