Degree(s) Held
B.S. Earth Science, Snow Science, Montana State University, 2009
Degree Sought:M.S. in Earth Sciences |
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Title of Research Project:
Spatial and temporal patterns of meteorological data, snowpack observations, and avalanche activity.
Advisor:
Jordy Hendrikx and Karl Birkeland
Email Address:
alex.marienthal@msu.montana.edu
Project Summary
Avalanche forecasters, backcountry skiers and snowmobilers, alpine climbers, and ski mountaineers dig snowpits to gather snowpack observations when assessing potential avalanche danger. It can be difficult to determine representative locations for digging snowpits due to variability in the snow cover over space and time. Therefore, users must interpret their snowpack observations in regards to the differential effects of terrain and weather. This study aims to quantify the effectiveness of snowpack observations (snowpits) gathered on various aspects and elevations through comparison with avalanche activity data on similar aspects and elevations, meteorological data associated with snowpack evolution and timing and location of avalanches will also be quantified. Snowpack observation data, meteorological data, and avalanche activity data will be collected in southwest Montana, and will be analyzed to explore relationships between meteorological data and snowpack observations that are representative of the timing and location of avalanche activity. This research will provide insight into the variables associated with snowpack variability over space and time, and will help snowpit users to better extrapolate their results to other areas or times. The findings of this study will give insight to users on how to better interpret snowpack observations, and will also be useful to enhance the curriculum of avalanche courses and public outreach seminars about backcountry travel and avalanche safety.
Methodology:
Data collection involves digging snowpits and performing stability tests at Bridger Bowl ski area and Big Sky ski resort. Pits are dug in consistent locations during, before, and after avalanche cycles. These data are managed in a database and displayed and analyzed using a combination of GIS and statistical software packages. Results of avalanche control from both ski areas will be compiled in a database and linked to spatial references of the avalanche paths that control work is performed on. Meteorological data will be gathered from automated weather stations at both ski areas and used to identify weather patterns associated with location and timing of instability and avalanche activity.
Locations and dates of select snowpits at Bridger Bowl, MT. a) Location of Bridger Bowl relative to Bozeman, MT. b) Overview of snowpits dug on North side of Bridger Bowl. c) Stability test results and dates from the edge of Chute 6 slide path. d) Test results and dates from the edge of the Tight Squeeze slide path.
Video of ECT test performed on January 3rd, 2012
(ECTP11, Q1, SP, 1-2mm Facets 24cm above the ground)
Profile of the snowpit shown in the above video (1/3/2012).
Pit dug on December 31, 2011, 1m south of the pit above (photo: A. Marienthal).
Avalanche triggered by ski patrol on December 31st, 2011 on the North end of Bridger Bowl ski area (photo: A. Marienthal).
Publications:
Marienthal, A. 2011. Recognizing decision fatigue as a factor in decision making. The Avalanche Review 30(2), 29.Marienthal, A., Mancey, J., Guy, Z., Rains, F., and Schwab, D. 2010. Snow avalanche research and forecasting with GIS and geospatial sciences. Proceedings of the 2010 International Snow Science Workshop, Squaw Valley, CA., 687-692.
Marienthal, A., and Mancey, J. 2010. Statistical modeling of maximum snow avalanche runout distance in Glacier National Park, USA, an inter-regional application of derived statistical runout models. 2010 Intermountain GIS Conference Program [presentation abstract], p. 92.
Marienthal, A., Mancey, J., Guy, Z., Rains, F.A., Schwab, A. 2010. Geospatial science and snow avalanche research. 2010 Intermountain GIS Conference Program [presentation abstract], p. 93.
Marienthal, A., Mancey, J., Guy, Z., Rains, F.A., Schwab, A. 2010. Geospatial science and snow avalanche research. The Avalanche Review 28(4), 26-28.
Marienthal, A., 2010, Wake-up call in Montana: The Avalanche Review 28(4), 15.
Relevant Training and Professional Involvement:
- Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop - November 5th, 2011.
- Northern Rockies Avalanche Safety Workshop - October 1st, 2011.
- GNFAC Professional Development Seminar "Surprise Avalanches" - March, 2011.
- International Snow Science Workshop, Squaw Valley, CA. - October, 2010.
- Montana Association of Geographic Information Professionals Intermountain GIS Conference, Bozeman, MT - April, 2010.
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, December, 2007.
- Level 1 Avalanche Course, AIARE - January 21-23, 2005.
- American Avalanche Association, Member – Fall, 2009 – Present.
Work Experience:
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Cartography and GIS, Montana State University.August 2011 – Present
Avalanche Educator, Basic and Advanced Avalanche Awareness, Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
November 2010 – Present
Volunteer Ski Patrol, Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
November 2010 – Present
Volunteer Observer and GIS Consulting, Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
December 2010 – Present
Volunteer Ski Patrol, Big Sky Ski Resort.
November 2007 – April 2008
A day in the field near Big Sky, MT. View of the Southern Madison Range (Photo: Jordan Mancey).
