A look at avalanche control structures in Europe

A discussion of four types of avalanche control structures observed in Switzerland, Austria and France. The first type of structure is built in the avalanche path to hold the snow in place. The second type is a set of baffles to deposit blowing snow and secure it in place. The third type is a retaining structure in the lower portion of the slide path to act as a buffer to retain the slide. The fourth type of structure is a deflecting type to turn the slide sway from the ordinary path of the slide. The several structures are sketched and described on plates.