Vegetational and geomorphic change on snow avalanche paths, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Six subalpine snow avalanche paths studied in 1975 were revisited in the summer of 1983, with the purpose of examining geomorphic and vegetational change that may have occurred during this eight - year period. Repeat photography and field reconnaissance were used to assess vegetational and geomorphic change. Vegetational responses to avalanches were apparent on several of the avalanche paths, generally by an increase in brush cover. Geomorphic changes were not apparent, suggesting that avalanches need not be geomorphically effective to initiate substantial vegetative disruption.