Articles | Volume 21, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-757-2021
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-757-2021
Research article
 | 
25 Feb 2021
Research article |  | 25 Feb 2021

Synoptic atmospheric circulation patterns associated with deep persistent slab avalanches in the western United States

Andrew R. Schauer, Jordy Hendrikx, Karl W. Birkeland, and Cary J. Mock

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Cited articles

American Avalanche Association: Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Guidelines: Observation guidelines for avalanche programs in the United States, 3rd Edn., Victor, ID, USA, 2016. 
Armstrong, R. L.: Continuous Monitoring of Metamorphic Changes of Internal Snow Structure as a Tool in Avalanche Studies, J. Glaciol., 19, 325–334, https://doi.org/10.3189/S0022143000215645, 1977. 
Atwater, M.: Snow Avalanches, Sci. Am., 190, 26–31, 1954. 
Baggi, S. and Schweizer, J.: Characteristics of wet=snow avalanche activity: 20 years of observations from a high alpine valley (Dischma, Switzerland), Nat. Hazards, 50, 97–108, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-008-9322-7, 2009. 
Barry, R. G. and Chorley, R. J.: Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, 8th Edn., Routledge, New York, NY, USA, 2003. 
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Our research links upper atmospheric circulation patterns to a destructive and difficult-to-predict type of snow avalanche in the western United States. At each of our study sites, we find unique circulation patterns that tend to occur at the beginning of the winter season during years with major avalanche activity. We also find specific patterns that occur frequently in the days leading to major avalanche events. This work will enable practitioners to better anticipate these challenging events.
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