Physical modelling of the interaction between powder avalanches and defence structures

Abstract

In order to better understand the interaction between powder snow avalanches and defence structures, we carried out physical experiments on small-scale models. The powder snow avalanche was simulated by a heavy salt solution in a water tank. Quasi two-dimensional and three-dimensional experiments were carried out with different catching dam heights. For the reference avalanche, the velocity just behind the nose in the head was greater than the front velocity. For the 2-D configuration, the ratio U max/Ufront was as high as 1.6, but it depends on the height. For the 3-D configuration, this ratio differed slightly and was even greater (up to 1.8). The vertical velocity rose to 106% of the front velocity for the 3-D simulation and 74% for the 2-D simulation. The reduction in front velocity due to the presence of dams was an increasing function of the dam height. But this reduction depended on topography: dams were more effective on an open slope avalanche (3-D configuration). The ratio Umax/U front was an increasing function of the dam's height and reached a value of 1.9. The obstacle led to a reduction in vertical velocity downstream of the vortex zone. © European Geosciences Union 2002.