Erosion By Snow Avalanche and Implications for Geomorphic Stability, Torlesse Range, New Zealand

Abstract

Within the Torlesse Range of New Zealand's Southern Alps, a distinctive set of erosional features resulted from a snow avalanche channelled into the headwater reaches of an active river channel. These features include truncation of riparian slopes, fracture of boulders, and translation of large boulders from within the active river channel. The effects of this avalanche erosion contribute to geomorphic instability within this steepland environment and thereby influence sediment yield from the drainage basin.