Snowpack and avalanche characterization over the 2021–2022 winter season in Sisimiut, West Greenland

Abstract

In Greenland, snow avalanches have been recognized as a significant hazard and a risk to communities for decades. However, prior to this study, no formal avalanche database nor avalanche forecasting service existed in Greenland. This study was conducted over the 2021–2022 snow season to advance snow science research in Greenland and provide the town of Sisimiut with an avalanche bulletin service based on snowpack stability, weather conditions, and avalanche activity monitoring data within the Sisimiut backcountry. Snowpack stratigraphies were assessed and stability tests were performed periodically using standardized methods, and the results were linked with daily weather monitoring and avalanche event characterization. The observed avalanche activity was dominated by slab avalanches, accounting for 96% of the registered events. Instabilities were mainly driven by specific temperature patterns, strong winds, and rain episodes. During cold and calm periods, slow kinetic growth of snow crystals in low-density layers was observed. Abrupt thermal increases were recurrent, resulting in softening of superficial slabs with consequent reactivation of buried weak layers, thus reducing snowpack stability. On the other hand, prolonged warmer temperatures lowered the thermal gradient within the snowpack, leading to rounding and bonding of weak layer grains, thus recovering the snowpack stability. As observed on three occasions, rain events caused the formation of persistent weak layers and should be considered a warning for future snowpack instability. As a result of this study, we retroactively linked local weather patterns with snowpack instability and provided the first periodical avalanche bulletin service for Sisimiut.