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Show APPENDIX E. GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS As in any technical project, the study of snow and avalanches requires a technical vocabulary of its own. The following glossary defines the terms as used in avalanche study in this country. Many terms are defined in the text as they occur, particularly in the Standard Snow Terminology, Appendix B. Abbreviations and symbols are also found in Appendix B. accumulation zone the area where the bulk of the snow in an avalanche was deposited originally. avalanche factor a meterological factor of climate or weather, or snow characteristic important in avalanche hazard forecasting. avalanche hazard forecast an estimate of the likelihood of the occurrence of avalanches dangerous to life and property based on analysis of avalanche factors. avalanche path the track followed by an avalanche during its descent. An area where avalanches commonly run. climate the meteorological factors with an important influence on avalanche conditions on a seasonal basis or over a period of years. climax avalanche an avalanche of maximum size, involving a large portion of old snow, arising from conditions which developed over a period of time. cirqUe a semi- circular, bowl- shaped area usually favorable to the accumulation of wind transported snow. colored thread profile a method of identifying each layer of the snowpack by inserting a colored thread in advance of each principal snowfall. contributory avalanche . f a c t o r one of the ten factors employed in avalanche hazard forecasting. delayed action avalanche - an avalanche which occurs some time after the storm which produced the avalanche layer and from causes in addition to those of the storm such as metamorphosis or additional snowfall. - 143 - |