Abstract
This research was designed to determine the impact of topographic variables on the total length of avalanche chutes in southern Glacier National Park, Montana. Seventy-eight snow avalanche paths were manually interpreted from aerial photographs within the study area, and their outlines were delineated on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps with a scale of 1 :24,000. Terrain variables were either measured directly from the maps or derived from the original ones. Terrain parameters were first analyzed by using the descriptive statistical method. Total path length was then regressed against the independent variables elevation, orientation, and slope gradient. We found that: (a) the majority of the avalanche chutes are oriented north, south, and southwest; (b) total path length is highly correlated with source area as well as with top elevation but negatively with slope gradient; (c) longitudinal slope gradient is a significant determinant of path length only for north-facing slopes. Sou rce zone area, to a large extent, determines the length of the avalanche path. However, top elevation is of greatest importance in explaining the total length is the specific contribution made by each individual factor is considered.
Recommended Citation
Gao, Jay K.
(1992)
"Terrain Influences on Total Length of Snow-Avalanche Paths in Southern Glacier National Park, Montana,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 34:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol34/iss2/4