Due to climate change, we expect fewer dry snow avalanches and an increased frequency of wet snow avalanches. However, models are still needed to estimate these changes.
This thesis will analyse the climate change on the snowpack at a well-monitored research site, Ryggfonn, near Strynefjellet. Here, we have a long-time series of climate data and avalanche observations. The thesis will include analysis of these datasets with the aim of
- Analyse change in snow climate over the past 50 years
- Identifying triggers for wet and dry snow avalanches
- Analyse trends in the frequency of snow conditions favouring wet vs. dry snow avalanches
- Verify any trends with comparisons to observed trends in avalanche characteristics
- Possible: use a calibrated snowpack model to analyse future trends in avalanche activity
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