Modeling waves and short-lived peak velocities and impact loads associated with snow avalanches

Simulations are presented to demonstrate the ability for the numerical model to capture and track waveforms within the avalanche flow, to estimate short-lived peak velocities and impact pressures for any position along the avalanche track-especially when perturbations (i.e., terrain changes) are introduced into the flow. These perturbations are particularly evident when releasing a wave-like form from rest down an incline. Difficulties are encountered when trying to simulate in situ results and recreating the richness of the data.