Perspectives on Snow Avalanche Dynamics Research

As an introduction for non-specialists to the Special Issue on snow avalanche dynamics, this paper first outlines how understanding dynamics of avalanches can contribute reducing risk settlements and infrastructure. The main knowledge gaps in field research concern (i) properties flow regimes transitions between them, (ii) mass change due erosion deposition. These two aspects are intertwined determine not only reach avalanche, but also its velocity, course impact pressure. Experimental studies described comprise a wide range scales from small rotating drums real avalanches. In addition, several papers describe post-event surveys specific analyze them using different methods techniques, demonstrating valuable qualitative insight be gained way. theoretical developments exploratory fluid–particle interactions comprehensive review half century modeling Russia.