Application of the Field Stability Evaluation Methods to the Snow Conditions of the Eastern Pyrenees

Abstract

Field methods for stability evaluation were recently developed and validated on the basis of skier-triggered slopes data from Switzerland and North America. In this paper, some of these methods (structural stability indexes, shear quality, and extended column test) were tested and adapted when necessary to the snow conditions of the Eastern Pyrenees. This was done by analyzing a dataset of 86 snow profiles and stability tests (from the last 8 winter seasons) observed next to skier-triggered slabs (including remotely triggered slab avalanches and whumpfs) and on skier-tested slopes that did not release a slab avalanche. ECT and shear quality were validated, whereas the profile field analysis methods had to be revised and new thresholds which provide a better adjustment for this part of the Pyrenees were established.