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The determination of snow avalanche frequency through tree-ring analysis and historical records at Ophir, Colorado

1979; Geological Society of America; Volume: 90; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1130/0016-7606(1979)90 2.0.co;2

1943-2674

Paul E. Carrara,

Fire effects on ecosystems

Research Article| August 01, 1979 The determination of snow avalanche frequency through tree-ring analysis and historical records at Ophir, Colorado PAUL E. CARRARA PAUL E. CARRARA 1U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information PAUL E. CARRARA 1U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225 Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2674 Print ISSN: 0016-7606 Geological Society of America GSA Bulletin (1979) 90 (8): 773–780. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1979)90 2.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation PAUL E. CARRARA; The determination of snow avalanche frequency through tree-ring analysis and historical records at Ophir, Colorado. GSA Bulletin 1979;; 90 (8): 773–780. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1979)90 2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Tree-ring analysis can be a reliable method of determining past snow avalanche events when good historical records are lacking. Characteristic features in the tree-ring record indicative of disturbance include: (1) the occurrence of reaction wood, (2) abrupt changes in growth rate, (3) age of scars caused by avalanche impact, (4) age of trees in reforested tracks, and (5) examination of a "new leader."This study was conducted at the town of Ophir, a small community in southwestern Colorado with a severe snow avalanche hazard. Historical records indicate that snow avalanches reached the town, or its vicinity, four times during this century (1918, 1951, 1958, and 1959). Tree-ring analysis substantiated this record in part and produced evidence of at least one additional event (middle to late 1880s). From this combined information, the recurrence interval for major snow avalanches capable of endangering the town is thought to be at least as frequent as once in 20 yr. The limitations of tree-ring analysis encountered in this study are also discussed. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.