On avalanche run-up heights on deflecting dams: Centre of mass computations compared to observations.
Abstract
This article reports on the observed run-up heights of avalanches in terrain formations that act as "natural deflecting dams" with oblique angle of incidence. To compensate for the deficiencies of today's methods, the parameters governing the run-up heights is discussed, and a computational model based on the Voellmy-Perla equation is used for calculation of the avalanche centre-af-mass path along the deflecting dam wall. The maximum calculated centre-af-mass run-up heights of the avalanches are compared with the observed total run-up heights. The relation between the two types of heights is elaborated upon for various categories of slide volumes.