A study of snow-pack characteristics in Hakuba backcountry

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  • 長野県白馬村周辺山岳地における雪崩に関連する積雪特性の研究
  • ナガノケン ハクバムラ シュウヘン サンガクチ ニ オケル ナダレ ニ カンレンスル セキセツ トクセイ ノ ケンキュウ

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Abstract

Based on snow-pit observation results (140 pits) at 6 study plots and at avalanche fracture lines (5 pits) carried out in the winters of 99/00 to 03/04, I considered the snow-pack characteristics with respect to avalanching in the Hakuba backcountry. The observed avalanches were caused by weak layers consisting of new snow (2 cases), near-surface facetted crystals (1 case), weak interface (1 case), and facetted crystals that developed on and near the ground (1 case). In the observations at the study plots, weak layers consisting of new snow and near-surface facetted crystals were seen across most of the study area. Weak layers consisting of new snow were observed with the highest frequency in all the winters, as compared with the occurrences of near-surface facetted crystals and weak interfaces, which were observed with low frequency. Facetted crystals that developed on and near the ground were observed locally at points where wind erosion of shallow areas occurred; this phenomenon was also observed with high frequency in all the winters. I tested the applicability of the avalanche climate classification used in North America to 10-year weather data sets from the study area. As a result, this study area was classified as having a coastal climate. Pit data was also checked against the classification, and many similarities were detected. For this reason, it seems as though the classification is applicable to the study area; further, it leads one to conclude that the classification system may be applicable to other areas within Japan.

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