Fracture Line Profiles In Japan

Numerous studies have been conducted on snow pack characteristics associated with avalanches formation, mainly in North America and Europe. In recent years, the scientific analysis about structural weakness has developing. These recent studies had performed based on the experiences of avalanche forecasters and numerous data corrected from those regions. Furthermore, these studies have developed by relating with snow climate.However, since modern avalanche safety operations don't exist, there is no accumulation of the experience and data for snowpack analysis in Japan. Therefore, these snow pack characteristics in Japan had not confirmed. We had examined these characteristic by comparing fracture line profile collected in Japan with present study results.Results of the analysis of 21 fracture line profiles in Japan are as follows.Most of avalanches had related to persistent weak layer, however that had related with precipitation particles are not rare.It suggested that critical points of fracture depth, weak layer thickness, hand hardness difference, grain size difference, are important also in Japanese snow climate. - Both of maritime and continental climate snow pack characteristics are found in closed area (Maritime: Japan sea side of main island, Continental: Pacific side of main island and inland of Hokkaido).Weak layers consist of precipitation particles are often formed both of Japan sea side and Pacific side of main island of Japan by snowfall related to synoptic cyclones. However, subsequently dense snow slabs are formed for only Japan sea side region by effect of the winter monsoon (Japan Sea effect snowfall) and brings Avalanche cycles only the region.