Acquiring solar radiation data at Turnagain Pass for glide avalanche research via an undergraduate field research course

This project will document the solar radiation trends at Turnagain Pass, Alaska, (Figure 1) and use the data to the avalanche forecasting and avalanche release research. Funds will be used to purchase a four way radiometer (incoming and outgoing shortwave and longwave radiation) instrumentation to complement an existing automated weather station unit already owned by Alaska Pacific University (APU). This instrumentation will allow a team of undergraduate students study the radiation effects on the snowpack via an interdisciplinary, field-based undergraduate course, Snow Science 2, and through independent student projects at (APU). Working cooperatively with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (www.cnfaic.org) and Alaska Department of Transportation Seward Highway Avalanche Program (http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdmno/avalanche.shtml), the project will give students the opportunity to receive hands-on training in data collection, data analysis, and communication of research results.