| The frequency of recent debris flow at West Wilson Creek, Banff National Park, Alberta, was analyzed through living and detrital dendrochronological samples, aerial photographs dating to 1948, lichenometric studies of deposits, and interviews with Lake Louise road maintenance staff. For the 1688-1991 event window, a mean debris flow return interval of 6.7 years is indicated. Between 1901-1938, the mean return interval was 2.6 years. Rapid regression of the Wilson Icefield is the proposed cause of this peak in debris flow frequency.;The physical parameters of recent West Wilson Creek debris flows was gauged through deposit morphology. Results indicate debris flows at the site are slow moving, contain extremely high sediment shear strengths, are highly viscous, and generate comparatively low total dynamic thrusts. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).;Debris flow magnitude was assessed volumetrically. A deposit volume range of 903-62,727 m... |
