Effects of Explosives on Avalanche Frequency and Magnitude

The application of explosives for avalanche control is a widely used avalanche risk mitigation method in North America. It is considered a short-term risk management method in that it acts on immediate avalanche hazard when required during the winter. However, the effects of such practices on seasonal avalanche frequency and magnitude are complex and involve multiple factors. The objective of this study is to challenge the long-held belief that regular pro-active explosives control performed consistently throughout the season leads to more frequent but smaller avalanches and ultimately reduces the frequency of avalanches reaching further into the avalanche path runout zone where transportation corridors are typically located. It will be based on a statistical analysis of avalanche occurrence records and extreme runout estimation from avalanche paths with sufficient records from before and after the implementation of a regular explosives control program. The results are expected to help inform long-term planning decisions pertaining to investments into explosives avalanche control infrastructure.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $55,772.50
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  2829 W. Howard Place
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Managing Organizations:

  Colorado Department of Transportation

  Applied Research and Innovation Branch
  Denver, CO  United States  80204
• Project Managers:

  Reeves, David

• Start Date: 20250224
• Expected Completion Date: 20260630
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Avalanches; Before and after studies; Explosives; Magnitude; Statistical analysis
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01952695
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Colorado Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 18 2025 1:03PM