Morphometric and meteorological controls on recent snow avalanche distribution and activity at hillslopes in steep mountain valleys in western Norway

Abstract

Snow avalanches are common phenomena in Norway. Controlling factors of snow avalanche distribution and activity, and the relative importance of snow avalanches regarding contemporary sedimentary mass transfers were explored within two steep, parabolic-shaped and glacier-connected tributary valleys (Erdalen and Bødalen) in western Norway. Mapping of distribution, extent and the entire path lengths of snow avalanches was combined with spatial data analysis (GIS and DEM computing) of morphometric controls. The timing and frequency of snow avalanches were explored by correlating meteorological data with high-resolution monitoring data of snow avalanche events. Sediment masses annually transferred by snow avalanches along hillslopes and from hillslopes into stream channels were estimated. A high inter-annual variability of avalanche activity and a wide spectrum of avalanche sizes and types ranging from small to extreme-sized events were found for the four-year investigation period 2009–2012. Spatial distribution of snow avalanches is governed by the topographical factors valley orientation, slope aspect, relative slope height and rockwall morphometry whereas timing and frequency of snow avalanches are controlled by snowfall intensity, periods with strong winds combined with a prevalent wind direction or sharp air temperature changes within short time periods. Snow avalanches represent one of the dominant denudational processes and have a high relative importance regarding sedimentary mass transfers within the two mountain valleys Erdalen and Bødalen in western Norway.