Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4676243 Cold Regions Science and Technology 2010 9 Pages PDF
Abstract

The two friction parameters used in the numerical avalanche dynamics program AVAL-1D, were calibrated empirically with data from observed avalanches in the Swiss Alps. The implementation of the model with these friction parameters in other regions with different characteristics can lead to considerable uncertainty if a previous calibration is not performed. However, direct calibration for a specific avalanche path is often not possible since the data available are insufficient. Therefore, we back-calculated twelve well-documented avalanche events from the Catalan Pyrenees to calibrate the friction coefficients to be used in this mountain range. The result of the study reveals that there is a good fit between recorded and simulated avalanche events using the friction parameters originally calibrated for the Swiss Alps, despite the difference in snow climate between these two mountain ranges.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Earth and Planetary Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences (General)
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