Extreme Avalanche Run-Out: Data from four Mountain Ranges

Abstract
Avalanche run-out distances have a prominent statistical character which is not usually featured in calculations derived from avalanche dynamics models. In order to predict run-out distances in a rational manner, the statistical element should be included. Here, we present and analyze data on extreme run-out from four mountain ranges. When the data are fitted to extreme-value distributions, we are able to show how (and why) extreme-value parameters vary with terrain properties of the different ranges.