The aim of this research is to determine whether steel snow supporting structures have any influence on the thermal regime of the underlying ground. The design-life of modern structures is 100 years and their presence may have an effect on ground temperature over this period of time in two distinct manners: firstly, heat may be conducted into or out of the ground through the steel components of the structures. When they are exposed to direct solar radiation, the supports can become warm (20-30°C) for short periods of time (hours). Some of this heat may be conducted into the underlying foundations and into the ground. Secondly, snow supporting structures singificantly modify the spatial and temporal distribution of the snowcover. Rather than avalanching naturally, snow is retained on steep slopes and snow melt is delayed by about one month in spring. In addition, the snow pack sometimes creeps or glides downwards between rows of structures whereas a thick, dense snowcover forms above each row. The snowcover has an important influence on ground temperature due to its insulating properties; a reduced snowcover in winter implies that heat can be evacuated from the ground efficiently. On the other hand, the presence of deep, densely packed snow above the structures in spring and early summer protects the ground from direct solar radiation and therefore prevents ground temperature from rising.
116.12 (Ablagerung und Verteilung des Schnees (einschl. Wirkungen auf die Bodentemperatur usw.)) 384.1 (Verbauungen gegen Lawinen, Erdrutsche usw.) [234.3] (Alpen) [494] (Schweiz)
