Avalanche Hazard in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland

摘要: Avalanche accidents are increasing in Scotland and fatalities now average two each year. The victims either mountaineers or cross-country skiers as the problem is confined to steeper remoter slopes. Studies Cairngorm Mountains have shown that Scottish snow differs from alpine three respects: depth hoar does not occur Scotland, higher values found for density rammsonde penetration, ice layers more abundant. Slab avalanches on slopes of about 35° sluffs 30° steeper. Although most small, crown fracture lines reach a maximum length 500 m, slabs may be up eight metres thick. Preliminary correlations between avalanche release weather conditions importance cold periods following heavy falls significance thaws. Much needs done before an avalanche-forecasting service could provided, least which persuading likely beneficiaries such would worthwhile.