Avalanche studies and model validation in Europe, SATSIE. Ryggfonn measurements winter 2004/2005

This report presents data collected from the full-scale avalanche test site Ryggfonn during the Winter 2004/2005. The weather and snow conditions are described and when possible, the avalanches have been characterized according to the IAHS avalanche code and the deposit boundaries have been mapped. Measurements obtained from the avalanche path include impact pressure readings from two load cells at a steel tower as well as impact pressures on three load cells fixed to a concrete structure. In addition, normal stress and shear stress were measured at two locations at a 16 m high dam. Six geophones, placed in the ground in the runout zone, have detected vibrations from some of the passing avalanches. When possible, for each avalanche the front speeds have been estimated. This estimates are based on pulsed Doppler radar measurements, seismic measurements, and the timing between impacts on the constructions. The pulsed Doppler radar provided also velocity measures from the avalanche body. The measurements obtained are briefty discussed and presented in graphs.European Commissio

Snow avalanche damages in Norway 1982/83

THE REPORT CONSTITUTES PART OF THE EFFORT IN THE FIELD "SNOW AVALANCHE MECHANICS" DESCRIBED IN THE LONG RANGE RESEARCH PLAN FOR NGI, 19 82- 86 (RES EARCH AREA 4, PROGRAM 4 . 2. )NTN

Human error revisited

It is often reported that a majority of avalanche accidents, as well as accidents in other fields, are caused by human error. In these accident analyses, the accidents are attributed to the "human factor". This factor is usually described as a list of different cognitive biases that affect decision making. In general, the attribution of human error in accident reports as the root cause may be rather subjective. This paper raises the question of going a step further than just categorizing causes as "human errors" in accident analyses and in risk management. Since humans by their very nature make mistakes, it is unreasonable to expect continuous error free performance. By using the mindset of human reliability analysis (HRA), an incidence of human errors is often predictable. Further, human error is also a consequence of unfavorable external conditions, rather than the cause itself. In conclusion it is argued that accident investigation and mitigation should be an acknowledgement of this fact. In a systems approach, resilience that take human performance variability into account should preferably be introduced into the systems

The Ryggfonn project. Avalanche data from the winters 1996/97, 1997/1998, 1998/1999 and 1999/2000

This report presents data collected from the full-scale Ryggfonn project during the winters 1996/1997, 1997/1998, 1998/1999 and 1999/2000. The weather and snow conditions and avalanches characteristics are summarised. The measurements obtained are briefly discussed and presented in graphs.NGI /SIP-

Snow avalanche damages in Norway 1981/82

The Avalanche Section at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute after each winter compiles a survey of accidents and damage caused by snow avalanches. Serious accidents are investigated by NGI and reports are published in the report series 58800. This report gives a summary of avalanche damages this winter and a short mention of the most serious occasions.NTN

The Ryggfonn project. Avalanche data from the winters 1994/95 and 1995/96

This report presents data collected from the full-scale Ryggfonn project during the winters 1994/95 and 1995/95. Only four avalanches were observed in the course of these two winters, three of which were naturally released and one artificially released. The present report describes briefly the weather characteristics of each winter season. The measurements obtained from the avalanche path include moment and shear strains caused by the avalanches on a steel tower, as well as the pressure on three load cells fixed to a concrete structure. In addition, the shear strain was measured on a steel mast erected on top of a 15 high dam. When possible, the avalanches have been classified according to the ICSI 1981 avalanche code and the deposit boundaries have been mapped.Norges Forskningsråd (NFR

Snow avalanche forecasting in Iceland and Norway

This document describes local avalanche warning and forecasting operations in Iceland and Norway, with the focus on forecasting as a preventive measure for communities with threatened habitations. The objective of an avalanche forecasting program in this context is to provide the basis for specific decision making on the local level in avalanche hazard situations.Nordisk Ministerrå

Snow avalanche damages in Norway 1983/84

THE REPORT CONSTITUTES PART OF THE RESEARCH EFFORT IN THE FIELD "SLIDES AND AVALANCHES" DESCRIBED IN THE LONG RANGE RESEARCH PLAN FOR NGI, 1985-1989 (RESEARCH AREA 2, PROGRAM 2.4).NTN

Avalanche rescue and mission risk in Norway 1996-2010

Well documented data from Norwegian avalanche rescue missions are evaluated according to risk assessment. Data have been collected from police records and logs from joint rescue coordination centres. Mission risk assessments described in the reports have been compared to actual conditions in hindsight