A catastrophic glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup) mechanism for debris flow generation at the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse River basin, British Columbia

Abstract

Debris flows have blocked rail and highway routes in the upper Kicking Horse River valley, British Columbia, a number of times during this century. The origins of debris flows from the most troublesome tributary basin were investigated following the debris flows and floods of September 6, 1978. A jökulhlaup (catastrophic glacial outburst flood) origin was determined for the debris flows and flood of this event. An investigation of weather records prior to debris flows of 1962, 1946, and 1925 indicates a similar origin for the 1946 and 1925 events.