Evidence for catastrophic volcanic debris flows in Pemberton Valley, British Columbia

2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 679-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
K A Simpson ◽  
M Stasiuk ◽  
K Shimamura ◽  
J J Clague ◽  
P Friele
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Large Magnitude ◽  
Volcanic Material ◽  
Inundation Maps ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Volcanic Debris

The Mount Meager volcanic complex in southern British Columbia is snow and ice covered and has steep glaciated and unstable slopes of hydrothermally altered volcanic deposits. Three large-volume (>108 m3) volcanic debris flow deposits derived from the Mount Meager volcanic complex have been identified. The volcanic debris flows travelled at least 30 km downstream from the volcanic complex and inundated now populated areas of Pemberton Valley. Clay content and mineralogy of the deposits indicate that the volcanic debris flows were clay-rich (5%–7% clay in the matrix) and derived from hydrothermally altered volcanic material. The youngest volcanic debris flow deposit is interpreted to be associated with the last known volcanic eruption, ~2360 calendar (cal) years BP. The other two debris flows may not have been directly associated with eruptions. Volcanic debris flow hazard inundation maps have been produced using the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based modelling program, LAHARZ. The maps provide estimates of the areas that would be inundated by future moderate to large-magnitude events. Given the available data, the probability of a volcanic debris flow reaching populated areas in Pemberton Valley is ~1 in 2400 years. Additional mapping in the source regions is necessary to determine if sufficient material remains on the volcanic edifice to generate future large-magnitude, clay-rich volcanic debris flows.

scholarly journals 2D Runout Modelling of Hillslope Debris Flows, Based on Well-Documented Events in Switzerland

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Zimmermann ◽  
Brian W. McArdell ◽  
Christian Rickli ◽  
Christian Scheidl
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Mass Movement ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Systematic Evaluation ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Flow Processes ◽  
Friction Parameters ◽  
Cohesive Interaction ◽  
Hillslope Debris Flow

In mountain areas, mass movements, such as hillslope debris flows, pose a serious threat to people and infrastructure, although size and runout distances are often smaller than those of debris avalanches or in-channel-based processes like debris floods or debris flows. Hillslope debris-flow events can be regarded as a unique process that generally can be observed at steep slopes. The delimitation of endangered areas and the implementation of protective measures are therefore an important instrument within the framework of a risk analysis, especially in the densely populated area of the alpine region. Here, two-dimensional runout prediction methods are helpful tools in estimating possible travel lengths and affected areas. However, not many studies focus on 2D runout estimations specifically for hillslope debris-flow processes. Based on data from 19 well-documented hillslope debris-flow events in Switzerland, we performed a systematic evaluation of runout simulations conducted with the software Rapid Mass Movement Simulation: Debris Flow (RAMMS DF)—a program originally developed for runout estimation of debris flows and snow avalanches. RAMMS offers the possibility to use a conventional Voellmy-type shear stress approach to describe the flow resistance as well as to consider cohesive interaction as it occurs in the core of dense flows with low shear rates, like we also expect for hillslope debris-flow processes. The results of our study show a correlation between the back-calculated dry Coulomb friction parameters and the percentage of clay content of the mobilised soils. Considering cohesive interaction, the performance of all simulations was improved in terms of reducing the overestimation of the observed deposition areas. However, the results also indicate that the parameter which accounts for cohesive interaction can neither be related to soil physical properties nor to different saturation conditions.

A debris flow triggered by the breaching of a moraine-dammed lake, Klattasine Creek, British Columbia

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1492-1502 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Clague ◽  
S. G. Evans ◽  
Iain G. Blown
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Southern Coast ◽  
Coast Mountains ◽  
Debris Avalanches ◽  
Unconsolidated Sediment ◽  
Sudden Release ◽  
Dammed Lake ◽  
Unusual Origin

A very large debris flow of unusual origin occurred in the basin of Klattasine Creek (southern Coast Mountains, British Columbia) between June 1971 and September 1973. The flow was triggered by the sudden release of up to 1.7 × 106 m3 of water from a moraine-dammed lake at the head of a tributary of Klattasine Creek. Water escaping from the lake mobilized large quantities of unconsolidated sediment in the valley below and thus produced a debris flow that travelled in one or, more likely, several surges 8 km downvalley on an average gradient of 10° to the mouth of the stream. Here, the flow deposited a sheet of coarse bouldery debris up to about 20 m thick, which temporarily blocked Homathko River. Slumps, slides, and debris avalanches occurred on the walls of the valley both during and in years following the debris flow. Several secondary debris flows of relatively small size have swept down Klattasine Creek in the 12–14 years since Klattasine Lake drained.

Remedial measures for debris flows at the Agassiz Mountain Institution, British Columbia

1984 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Martin ◽  
D. R. Piteau ◽  
R. A. Pearce ◽  
P. M. Hawley
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Remedial Measures ◽  
Stream Channel ◽  
Correctional Services ◽  
South Slope ◽  
Rock Anchors

On the evening of January 23, 1982 a debris flow having an estimated volume of 11 000 m3 occurred in a stream channel on the south slope of Mount Agassiz adjacent to the Mountain Institution of the Correctional Services of Canada. The debris flow was one of many that have contributed to the formation of a large debris fan at the base of the mountain. Debris flows, large rockfalls, and other events can be expected to occur intermittently as part of the ongoing natural erosional processes in steep mountainous terrain.The paper describes the site investigation and analyses carried out and the design and construction of remedial measures to control future debris flows and rockfalls. Remedial measures consisted of improvement of stability of two large rockfall blocks in the debris flow channel using grouted dowels. In addition, two berms and a containment basin were constructed on the debris fan to control future debris flows and rockfalls. Key words: debris flows, debris fan, rockfalls, rock anchors, dowels, containment basin, deflection berm.

scholarly journals The 6 August 2010 Mount Meager rock slide-debris flow, Coast Mountains, British Columbia: characteristics, dynamics, and implications for hazard and risk assessment

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1277-1294 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Guthrie ◽  
P. Friele ◽  
K. Allstadt ◽  
N. Roberts ◽  
S. G. Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Rock Avalanche ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Rock Slide ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Coast Mountains ◽  
Creek Watershed ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. A large rock avalanche occurred at 03:27:30 PDT, 6 August 2010, in the Mount Meager Volcanic Complex southwest British Columbia. The landslide initiated as a rock slide in Pleistocene rhyodacitic volcanic rock with the collapse of the secondary peak of Mount Meager. The detached rock mass impacted the volcano's weathered and saturated flanks, creating a visible seismic signature on nearby seismographs. Undrained loading of the sloping flank caused the immediate and extremely rapid evacuation of the entire flank with a strong horizontal force, as the rock slide transformed into a debris flow. The disintegrating mass travelled down Capricorn Creek at an average velocity of 64 m s−1, exhibiting dramatic super-elevation in bends to the intersection of Meager Creek, 7.8 km from the source. At Meager Creek the debris impacted the south side of Meager valley, causing a runup of 270 m above the valley floor and the deflection of the landslide debris both upstream (for 3.7 km) and downstream into the Lillooet River valley (for 4.9 km), where it blocked the Lillooet River river for a couple of hours, approximately 10 km from the landslide source. Deposition at the Capricorn–Meager confluence also dammed Meager Creek for about 19 h creating a lake 1.5 km long. The overtopping of the dam and the predicted outburst flood was the basis for a night time evacuation of 1500 residents in the town of Pemberton, 65 km downstream. High-resolution GeoEye satellite imagery obtained on 16 October 2010 was used to create a post-event digital elevation model. Comparing pre- and post-event topography we estimate the volume of the initial displaced mass from the flank of Mount Meager to be 48.5 × 106 m3, the height of the path (H) to be 2183 m and the total length of the path (L) to be 12.7 km. This yields H/L = 0.172 and a fahrböschung (travel angle) of 9.75°. The movement was recorded on seismographs in British Columbia and Washington State with the initial impact, the debris flow travelling through bends in Capricorn Creek, and the impact with Meager Creek are all evident on a number of seismograms. The landslide had a seismic trace equivalent to a M = 2.6 earthquake. Velocities and dynamics of the movement were simulated using DAN-W. The 2010 event is the third major landslide in the Capricorn Creek watershed since 1998 and the fifth large-scale mass flow in the Meager Creek watershed since 1930. No lives were lost in the event, but despite its relatively remote location direct costs of the 2010 landslide are estimated to be in the order of $10 M CAD.

A catastrophic glacial outburst flood (jökulhlaup) mechanism for debris flow generation at the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse River basin, British Columbia

1979 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 806-813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lionel E. Jackson Jr.
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Outburst Flood ◽  
Flow Generation

Debris flows have blocked rail and highway routes in the upper Kicking Horse River valley, British Columbia, a number of times during this century. The origins of debris flows from the most troublesome tributary basin were investigated following the debris flows and floods of September 6, 1978. A jökulhlaup (catastrophic glacial outburst flood) origin was determined for the debris flows and flood of this event. An investigation of weather records prior to debris flows of 1962, 1946, and 1925 indicates a similar origin for the 1946 and 1925 events.

Holocene debris flows and environmental history, Hazelton area, British Columbia

1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1583-1593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen S. Gottesfeld ◽  
Rolf W. Mathewes ◽  
Leslie M. Johnson Gottesfeld
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Debris Flow ◽  
Oral History ◽  
Environmental History ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Plant Macrofossils ◽  
Sediment Layer ◽  
Catastrophic Event ◽  
Outlet Stream ◽  
History Of

Debris flow deposits of Chicago Creek and the sediment, pollen, and macrofossil records of Seeley Lake were studied to elucidate the Holocene history of the northwest flank of the Rocher Déboulé Range near Hazelton, British Columbia.The Chicago Creek drainage has experienced numerous rockfalls, debris slides, and debris flows. A large debris flow covering approximately 300 ha occurred about 3580 ± 150 BP. This flow was two to three orders of magnitude larger than historic debris flows in this drainage. It traveled about 3 km down Chicago Creek and dammed the outlet stream of Seeley Lake. A debris deposit along lower Chicago Creek is interpreted as the product of debris torrents that formed during or soon after the damming of Seeley Lake. Its surface exhibits soil development (rubification and profile development) comparable to that on the large debris flow, suggesting equivalent age.Pollen and plant macrofossils are described from a core taken in Seeley Lake. This core spans the period from ca. 9200 BP to the present. A disturbance event in 3380 ± 110 BP, correlative with the large Chicago Creek debris flow, is recorded by a clastic sediment layer and changes in the microfossil and macrofossil assemblages.The Chicago Creek debris flow and debris torrent ca. 3500 BP may be the catastrophic event recorded in the story of the Medeek, an oral history or "ada'ok" of the Gitksan people of Hazelton.

scholarly journals Simulation of debris flows in the watershed of the Putih River, Indonesia using SIMLAR 2.1

2021 ◽  
Vol 930 (1) ◽  
pp. 012034
Author(s):  
J Ikhsan ◽  
R Ardiansyah ◽  
D Legono
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Rainfall Data ◽  
River Watershed ◽  
Volcanic Material ◽  
Flow Modelling ◽  
Dam Building ◽  
Sediment Data ◽  
The Impact

Abstract In 2010, the eruption of Mount Merapi produced a huge volcanic material for debris flows. One area affected by the debris flows is the watershed of Putih River. To predict the impact caused by debris flows can be done by using software such as the Simulation Lahar (SIMLAR) 2.1. In this paper, debris flow modelling will be carried out using SIMLAR 2.1 in conditions without sabo dams and using sabo dams. This simulation aims to determine the effectiveness of the sabo dams in reducing the impact of debris flows. The data used are rainfall data, DEM and sediment data in Putih River. The results show that the sabo dam building can slow down the velocity of debris flow. In addition, sabo dams also function as a barrier to riverbed erosion in the Putih River watershed. Based on the results above, it can be concluded that SIMLAR 2.1 can predict the impact of debris flows in the Putih River watershed.

scholarly journals Learning Case Study of a Shallow-Water Model to Assess an Early-Warning System for Fast Alpine Muddy-Debris-Flow

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 750
Author(s):  
Antonio Pasculli ◽  
Jacopo Cinosi ◽  
Laura Turconi ◽  
Nicola Sciarra
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Shallow Water ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Early Warning System ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Processing Unit

The current climate change could lead to an intensification of extreme weather events, such as sudden floods and fast flowing debris flows. Accordingly, the availability of an early-warning device system, based on hydrological data and on both accurate and very fast running mathematical-numerical models, would be not only desirable, but also necessary in areas of particular hazard. To this purpose, the 2D Riemann–Godunov shallow-water approach, solved in parallel on a Graphical-Processing-Unit (GPU) (able to drastically reduce calculation time) and implemented with the RiverFlow2D code (version 2017), was selected as a possible tool to be applied within the Alpine contexts. Moreover, it was also necessary to identify a prototype of an actual rainfall monitoring network and an actual debris-flow event, beside the acquisition of an accurate numerical description of the topography. The Marderello’s basin (Alps, Turin, Italy), described by a 5 × 5 m Digital Terrain Model (DTM), equipped with five rain-gauges and one hydrometer and the muddy debris flow event that was monitored on 22 July 2016, were identified as a typical test case, well representative of mountain contexts and the phenomena under study. Several parametric analyses, also including selected infiltration modelling, were carried out in order to individuate the best numerical values fitting the measured data. Different rheological options, such as Coulomb-Turbulent-Yield and others, were tested. Moreover, some useful general suggestions, regarding the improvement of the adopted mathematical modelling, were acquired. The rapidity of the computational time due to the application of the GPU and the comparison between experimental data and numerical results, regarding both the arrival time and the height of the debris wave, clearly show that the selected approaches and methodology can be considered suitable and accurate tools to be included in an early-warning system, based at least on simple acoustic and/or light alarms that can allow rapid evacuation, for fast flowing debris flows.

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