Snow Avalanche Climate and Variations in the Intermountain Zone of the Western United States

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MOCK, C.J. and BIRKELAND, K.W. The study examines the snow avalanche climatology of the intermontane west. The basic objectives are to: (1)-evaluate-the-spatio-temporal-variability-of-snow and avalanche climates; (2) reconstruct longer-term avalanche records using contemporary relationships between climate and avalanche data; (3) analyze the synoptic scale climatology that may affect the timing, recurrence, and spatial variability of avalanche responses; and, (4) explore possible responses of snow avalanche climates under climatic change scenarios. Data on climatic, snowpack, avalanche, and atmospheric processes will be compiled from existing large archives such as the Westwide Avalanche Network and SNOTEL and from snow survey records and long-term climate records. The results will be important to (a) avalanche forecasting, (b) understanding the physical processes of avalanche activity, (c) improved hazard regulation and delineation, and (d) scientific understanding of mountain environments.