Avalanche hazard in Glacier National Park: An El Nino connection?

Snow avalanches are a cold-season natural hazard in the Glacier National Pa rk (CNP), Montana, region. They are responsible for the closure of critical transportation routes, property damage, and, on occasion, fatalities. This study examined local newspaper reports of avalanches during the period fro m 1949 to 1997 and found a tendency for El Nino years to be associated with a decrease in snow avalanches in the region. This decrease in frequency ma y be caused by the below-normal precipitation that occurs in the region dur ing El Nino years. Additional factors, such as primary storm-track directio n, and temperature cycling also should be examined.