Characterization and analysis of the West Lost Trail Creek Landslide, Hinsdale County, Colorado

Author

Nicholas Holger Beckmann

Abstract

“In July, 1991 a large rock fall avalanche type landslide occurred in the Rio Grande National Forest of southern Colorado only a few miles below the Continental divide. The debris flowed into the West Lost Trail Creek Valley damming West Lost Trail Creek. The purpose of this study was to conduct mapping of the landslide area and ascertain if the slide was a “Sturzstrom” rock fall avalanche, using kinematic and static equations to back- analyze the controlling physical properties at the time of failure, and to discuss the likely future behavior of the debris dam blocking the stream channel. Failure of this dam could impact recreational facilities and the Rio Grande Reservoir located a short distance downstream.

A Sturtzstrom is a particular type of rock fall avalanche which becomes fluid as it falls, spreading itself like a debris flow over flat surfaces and traveling greater distances than can be predicted with conventional limit-equilibrium slope stability evaluation methods. Threshold values for formation of Sturzstroms appear to be: a minimum volume of 500,000 m3, a fall height greater than 150 m, and a detachment surface inclined at least 25° from horizontal. Sturtzstroms often begin as rock falls, but as movement continues, the slide mass fragments into a wide range of angular particles ranging from pebble to boulder size. As the fluidized mass spills into the underlying valley, deposition begins increasing the ratio between slide volume and basal area. As this occurs the coefficient of friction increases until sufficient shear strength is regained to cause a sudden halt of the slide mass”--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Rogers, J. David

Committee Member(s)

Cawlfield, Jeffrey D.
Luna, Ronaldo

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geological Engineering

Comments

Two folded maps in the pocket of the manuscript are available here as supplemental material.

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2002

Pagination

vii, 50 pages, maps

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 47-48).

Geographic Coverage

Hinsdale County, Colorado

Rights

© 2002 Nicholas Holger Beckmann, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Landslides -- Colorado -- Hinsdale CountyGeology -- Colorado -- Hinsdale County

Thesis Number

T 8125

Print OCLC #

52625898

Recommended Citation

Beckmann, Nicholas Holger, "Characterization and analysis of the West Lost Trail Creek Landslide, Hinsdale County, Colorado" (2002). Masters Theses. 2241.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/2241