Earth’s Cryosphere, 2010, No. 2, p. 79-86

USE OF SNOW COVER EVOLUTION “SNOWPACK” MODEL FOR DEFINITION OF AVALANCHING FACTORS

E.G. Mokrov, A.Yu. Soloviev

M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Geography, 119992, Moscow, Lininskie Gory, Russia, snowaval@yahoo.com

The opportunity of definition of parameters of avalanche formation by means of one-dimensional mathematical model of snow cover evolution “Snowpack” (Swiss Federal Institute of Snow and Avalanches Research, Davos) widely used in the world is examined in the article. The “Snowpack” model allows one to obtain the parameters of snow cover for slopes of various height, steepness and exposition, and to carry out spatialtemporal estimation of snow cover stability on slopes. The meteorological information obtained by means of “Snowpack” model, allowing evaluation of the major factors of avalanching, is an unique opportunity to collect information in poorly investigated areas. In spring 2004 in the Khibini Mountains the verification of the model was accomplished according to the arrangement with the Swiss Federal Institute of Snow and Avalanches Research. Results of the comparative analysis between the factual data of avalanching parameters and the data calculated by means of the “Snowpack” model are presented.

Key words: Snow avalanches, snow stability on mountain slopes, avalanching factors, Swiss model “Snowpack”.

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