Tracz, David2012-07-122012-07-122012-07-12http://hdl.handle.net/1880/49102Deep slab avalanches are a unique and difficult-to-forecast natural hazard. This thesis analyzed a variety of data sources from southwestern Canada including two large databases and data collected at 27 recent deep slab avalanches. A statistical method based on non-exceedance probability of average slab thickness and weak layer age was developed to regionally define deep slab avalanches. Local weather preceding deep slab events was investigated to discriminate days with deep slab avalanches from those without. Snowpack characteristics and tests were analyzed to find similarities among deep slab avalanche events. Precipitation during days with deep slab avalanches was found to be significantly more than days without deep slab avalanches. The Propagation Saw Test (PST) and Deep Tap Test (DT) were found to be useful snowpack tests for identifying deep slab hazard. The failure layer of deep slab avalanches typically was softer, contained larger snow grains, and was less dense the either of its adjacent layers.engAttribution 3.0 UnportedUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Snow AvalancheForecastingDeep slab avalanchemaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/20529