Doctoral Dissertation Research: The Relationship Between Snowpack and Terrain: Bridger Mountains, Montana

这个项目将调查积雪特性随地形的变化，并研究积雪数据与整个山脉积雪稳定性之间的关系。研究地点是蒙大拿州的布里杰山脉。采样队将在本赛季收集三次数据。积雪稳定性、强度、深度和温度的数据将与地形特征进行比较，如坡向、海拔、坡度和山脉内的位置。此外，为了评估积雪的演变，每周数据将在一个研究地块收集。将使用各种多变量统计方法来检验假设。积雪的变化被认为是以与地形相关的模式发生的。此外，还假设可以使用某一点的详细数据来近似估计附近斜坡的状况。结果将显示积雪和地形之间的联系，规模还有待检验。该产品将有助于更全面地了解雪崩事件及其原因。此外，研究结果还将对雪崩专业人士具有实用价值。

Birkeland, Karl W Arizona State University This project will investigate the variability of snowpack properties as a function of terrain and will examine also the relationship between snowpack data and snow stability throughout a mountain range. The study site is the Bridger Mountains, Montana. Sampling teams will collect data three times during the season. Data on snowpack stability, strength, depth, and temperature will be compared with terrain features such as aspect, elevation, slope angle, and location within the mountain range. In addition weekly data will be collected at a study plot in order to assess the evolution of the snowpack. A variety of multivariate statistical methods will be used to test hypotheses. Snowpack variations are hypothesized to occur in patterns that can be correlated to terrain. In addition it is hypothesized that detailed data from a point can be used to approximate the condition of nearby slopes. Results will show the association between snowpack and terrain at a scale that has yet to be examined. The product will contribute to a more general knowledge of avalanche events and their causes. In addition the results will have practical utility for avalanche professionals.