Snow Sciences: The physics avalanches

Objectives and Expections

Develop an understanding of (1) the scientific method, (2) interpret, analyze and evaluate snowpack data for avalanche potential, (3) characterize physical processes of avalanches. Two lectures and six hours of laboratory per week. Field investigations are required under rigorous outdoor conditions.

Student Outcomes

 Students can interpret and critique geomorphic maps and air photos that show evidence for avalanche hazards.

 Snow crystal classification: Students can describe and interpret snow stratigraphy.

 Students have a basic knowledge of the physical properties of the gaseous, liquid and solid states of water and identify the processes that control phase changes.

 Students can characterize physical processes that control avalanches.

 Students can interpret, analyze and evaluate snowpack data for avalanche potential.

Snow Sciences Objectives

 Explain snow crystals formation

 Describe and use snow crystal classification

 Distinguish how moisture, temperature and pressure influence crystal type

 Explain the physical principles that control snow metamorphism

 Physical processes that control viscoelasticity in snow

 Describe and interpret snow stratigraphy

Avalanche Dynamics Objectives

  Characterize physical processes that control avalanches

 Describe and explain avalanche classification

 Distinguish between various types of avalanche terrain

 Estimate snowpack for avalanche danger