Abstract
The startup dynamics of three wet snow avalanches in central Japan were evaluated by computer modeling the occurrences and comparing leading edge position-time data. Results were compared between three finite difference based computer codes, which were used to model the startup transients. Two of the computer codes use equations of uniform flow hydrodynamics, the third uses transient viscous fluid mechanics. The latter two codes also incorporate a material description of snow as a locking material. Results show a general increasing of frictional and/or viscous coefficients in the avalanche startup zones in order to match the kinematics of startup. Differences in results between the codes is attributed to the shape of the startup zones, whether convex or concave. The results indicate the magnitude of perturbation of startup on total avalanche runout time, which is likely to be negligible on long-duration avalanche occurrences.
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