Field Measurement of Snow Creep in a Radiation Snow Climate, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

摘要: Real-time creep data may one day be incorporated into avalanche forecasting practices. Although numerous methods of collection have contributed to the understanding snow mechanics and processes, no standard method has been developed that could provide strain in all types conditions. This study evaluated several a radiation climate, with focus on behavior near prominent melt-freeze crusts. Phase I took place at Molas Pass, CO April May 2003. Three different measurement were evaluated. Creep, settlement, weather, stratigraphy collected five–day intervals. II Center for Snow Avalanche Studies’ Swamp Angel Study Plot Red Mountain during winter 2003-2004. Weather was available from CSAS weather station. A Tyrolean traverse constructed access area minimal disturbance cover. profiles recorded sawdust columns ping-pong ball emplaced one-month intervals starting December 21, On March 2004 excavated total settlement observed. Major differences above crustal boundaries observed, but those is still unknown. Settlement found more dominant than south-aspect slopes conditions north-aspect isothermal Consideration should given effects heat flow, liquid water pressures when designing creep-measurement experiments.