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Defense structures in avalanche starting zones - SLF

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3 > Plann<strong>in</strong>g of support<strong>in</strong>g <strong>structures</strong> 19<br />

3 > Plann<strong>in</strong>g of support<strong>in</strong>g <strong>structures</strong><br />

3.1 Avalanche formation mechanisms<br />

3.1.1 Snow slab <strong>avalanche</strong>s<br />

3.1.1.1 Creep and glide formation<br />

Fig. 4 shows a layer of snow rest<strong>in</strong>g on a slope. In the layer, creep movement takes<br />

place and – under certa<strong>in</strong> conditions between the ground and the snow – glide motion<br />

may occur at the ground surface.<br />

The motion depends on the follow<strong>in</strong>g factors:<br />

> <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ation of slope<br />

> snow thickness<br />

> ground roughness<br />

> snow characteristics (deformability, friction, and <strong>in</strong> particular wett<strong>in</strong>g of the boundary<br />

between the ground and the snow).<br />

Fig. 4 > Creep and glide velocities <strong>in</strong> the snow cover.<br />

v (u,v,w) resultant velocity vector<br />

u Velocity component <strong>in</strong> the l<strong>in</strong>e of slope<br />

uu Glide velocity<br />

u-uu Glide velocity <strong>in</strong> the l<strong>in</strong>e of slope<br />

w Creep velocity normal to the slope

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