Overrun length of avalanches overtopping catching dams: Cross-comparison of small-scale laboratory experiments and observations from full-scale avalanches

Abstract

Results from small-scale and full-scale experiments on avalanche–dam interactions are presented and compared. These experiments were analyzed with respect to the overrun length (i.e., the distance that the avalanche traveled beyond a catching dam). The differences and similarities in the results are discussed through a cross-comparison of the small-scale experiments and by comparing them with observations from Ryggfonn on avalanche–dam interactions. Further, we establish a simple relationship that appears to be valid for small-scale experiments with granular materials as well as for full-scale avalanche experiments. The relationship relates the overrun length to the speed of the approaching avalanche and the effective height of the catching dam.