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.

Modeling debris flow triggered by snow melting in the Barsemdara river valley, Tajikistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoriia Kurovskaia ◽  
Sergey Chernomorets ◽  
Tatyana Vinogradova ◽  
Inna Krylenko
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Human Life ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Viscoplastic Fluid ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Subsequent Formation ◽  
Hazard Level ◽  
Output Information

<p>Debris flow is one of the most hazardous events that occur in all mountain regions.  Direct debris flow damage includes loss of human life, destruction of houses and facilities, damage to roads, rail lines and pipelines, vehicle accidents, and many other losses that are difficult to quantify. In July 2015, in the valley of the Barsemdara River (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan), plenty of debris flows were observed. As a result, residential areas, social facilities, and infrastructure in Barsem village and neighboring settlements were destroyed and flooded. Besides, debris flow deposits blocked the Gunt River with the subsequent formation of a dammed lake with a maximum volume of 4.0 million m<sup>3</sup>. <br>The aim of this study was to obtain hydrographs of debris flow waves in the source and detailed zoning of the Barsemdara river valley. For the debris flow source, we applied transport-shift model. Equations of this model were developed by Yu.B. Vinogradov basing on Chemolgan experiments of artificial debris flows descending. Previously, the model characteristics were compared with the observational data of the Chemolgan experiments, and the results were found to be satisfactory [Vinogradova, Vinogradov, 2017]. Based on the equations, a computer program was created in the programming language Python. Besides, we improved the model by adding flow velocity calculations, and eventually it became possible to obtain hydrographs. To investigate quantitative characteristics of the debris flow in the river valley we implied a two-dimensional (2D) model called FLO-2D PRO. It is based on the numerical methods for solving the system of Saint-Venant equations. Besides, in this model, it is assumed that debris flows move like a Bingham fluid (viscoplastic fluid) [O'Brien et al., 1993]. The input information for modeling was digital elevation model (DEM) and previously obtained hydrographs. The output information included flow depth, velocity distribution and hazard level of the territory. The results of the study will be reported.</p><p>1.    Vinogradova T.A., Vinogradov A.Y. The Experimental Debris Flows in the Chemolgan River Basin // Natural Hazards. – 2017. – V. 88. – P. 189-198.<br>2.    O'Brien J. S., Julien P.Y., Fullerton W.T. Two-dimensional water flood and mudflow simulation //Journal of hydraulic engineering. – 1993. – V. 119, No 2. – P. 244-261.</p>

scholarly journals Characteristics and Prevention of the Debris Flows following Wenchuan Earthquake in Jushui River Basin, An County, China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yonggang Ge ◽  
Jianqiang Zhang ◽  
Xiaojun Guo
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Wenchuan Earthquake ◽  
River Basin ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Flash Flood ◽  
River Channel ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Control Mode ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Prevention Measures

After analysing the catastrophic debris flows on August 18, 2012, and on July 9, 2013, in Jushui River basin, An County, the Wenchuan Earthquake seriously striken areas, it was found that they were characterized by the clay soil content of 0.1~1.2%, the density of 1.68~2.03 t/m3, the discharges of 62.2 m3/s to 552.5 m3/s, and the sediment delivery modulus of 1.0~9.4 × 104 m3/km2. Due to intense rainstorm, many large debris flows produced hazard chain, involved in flash flood, debris flow, dammed lake, and outburst flood, and rose Jushui River channel about 1~4 m as well as amplified flood. The hazards and losses mainly originated from the burying and scouring of debris flows, flood inundating, and river channel rise. The prevention of debris flows is facing the intractable problems including potential hazard identification, overstandard debris flow control, control constructions destructing, and river channel rapid rise. Therefore, the prevention measures for the basin, including hazard identification and risk assessment, inhabitants relocating, monitoring and alarming network establishing, emergency plans founding, and river channel renovating, and the integrated control mode for watershed based on regulating the process of debris flow discharge, were recommended for mitigation.

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.

Hazards on Dujiangyan-Wenchuan Highways Induced by Catastrophic Debris Flows on July 10 2013 and Prevention

2014 ◽  
Vol 501-504 ◽  
pp. 2463-2472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Gang Ge ◽  
Qiang Zou ◽  
Jian Qiang Zhang ◽  
Xiao Jun Guo
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Gansu Province ◽  
Chain Process ◽  
Outburst Flood ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Traffic Security ◽  
Dangerous Section

After the Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12 2008, the highways from Dujiangyan to Wenchuan, a crucial passage from Chengdu to Sichuan Western Plateau and Gansu province, are always seriously endangered by landslides, debris flows and their following hazards. Hundreds of debris flows from watersheds, gullies and slopes on July 10 2013 produced fatal hazards and destruction on the Highway G213 and the Express Highway from Yingxiu to Wenchuan. The debris flows are characterized by numerous-occurrence, large flux (645~2238m3/s) and large magnitude (5~126×104m3) as well as the hazard chain process which is composed of debris flow, dammed lake and outburst flood. The highways were seriously destructed and blocked in 16 sites, which were induced by 6 collapsed bridges, 3 submerged bridges, 3 buried tunnel entrances, 1 site collapsed highway base and 7 sites buried highway base or bridges, and the traffic was completely interrupted. Based on analyzing the destruction modes of highways, it was found that the large-scale and potential debris flows and the irrational location of some sections, vulnerable protection measures and low resistant capability of highways against debris flows were responsible for huge highway destructions. Considering the active debris flows in the future at least 5~10 years, it was strongly suggested that potential debris flow identification, integrated management of disastrous watershed, dangerous road line altering, increasing and strengthening protection constructions at dangerous section and improving highway reconstruction standard should be carried out for highway protection and traffic security.

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.

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.

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.

BARSEM DEBRIS FLOW DISASTER IN THE PAMIRS IN 2015 AND ITS ANALOGUES IN THE CENTRAL CAUCASUS

2019 ◽  
Vol XIII (1/2019) ◽  
pp. 26-36
Author(s):  
MIKHAIL DOKUKIN ◽  
SERGEY CHERNOMORETS ◽  
ELENA SAVERNYUK ◽  
EDUARD ZAPOROZHCHENKO ◽  
RUSLAN BOBOV ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Debris Flow ◽  
Debris Flows ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Form Analysis ◽  
Flow Processes ◽  
Central Caucasus ◽  
Left Tributary ◽  
Debris Flow Disaster

we characterize specific features of formation and consequences of the debris flow disaster occurred on the Barsemdara River in the Gunt River valley (Barsem village, Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Tajikistan) on July 16–24, 2015. The paper presents the data on debris flow events with similar formation mechanism that took place in the following river valleys: Adyr-Su in 1940, 1983 and 2011, Tyutyun-Su in 1953, Khaznidon in 1975 et al. A common feature of the considered debris flows is the confinedness of debris flow site to special glacial accumulation forms — moraine pedestals containing a large amount of buried ice. Due to large-scale and long-term debris flow processes moraine pedestals take the shape of gullies. The largest example of considered landform is the debris flow gully (1 km-length) situated in the upper reaches of the Tyutyun-Su River in the Cherek Balkarskiy River basin (Central Caucasus). Similar debris flow processes were also observed in other mountain areas (Zaas River valley (Switzerland) in 1987, valley of the Ishkoman River left tributary (Pakistan) in 2018). Volumes of debris flow material carried out from moraine pedestals reach 1–5 million m3. In 2015 part of the Barsem village territory became covered with debris flow deposits and a dam was formed on the Gunt River above which is the Barsemkul dammed lake now. Places of possible debris flows such as Barsem disasters can be determined on the basis of glacial accumulation form analysis and identification of moraine pedestals in which the debris flow incisions are not yet developed.

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