Erich Peitzsch, Ph.D
My main interests lie in the realm of snow and ice.
Research Interests
Previous projects include investigating wet snow avalanche processes, such as water movement in the snowpack and its implications for wet slab avalanches. Working as an avalanche forecaster for the spring opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park allows me to continue work on wet snow avalanche projects such as glide slab avalanches. I am also interested in investigating ecological change associated with avalanches, avalanche runout probability, and the relationship between climate and avalanches. Other research interests include monitoring mass balance of small mountain catchment glaciers.
Professional Experience
Supervisory Research Physical Scientist, USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, West Glacier, Montana
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Earth Sciences, Snow Science. 2020. Montana State University, Bozeman
MS. Earth Sciences (Snow Science). 2009. Montana State University, Bozema
BA. Environmental Studies. 2000. Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Science and Products
Glacier Research
A regional spatio-temporal analysis of large magnitude snow avalanches using tree rings A regional spatio-temporal analysis of large magnitude snow avalanches using tree rings
Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation
Research Note: How old are the people who die in avalanches? A look into the ages of avalanche victims in the United States (1950-2018) Research Note: How old are the people who die in avalanches? A look into the ages of avalanche victims in the United States (1950-2018)
Reanalysis of the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark Glaciers: Long-term insight into climate forcing of glacier mass balance Reanalysis of the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark Glaciers: Long-term insight into climate forcing of glacier mass balance
Forecasting for dry and wet avalanches during mixed rain and snow storm events Forecasting for dry and wet avalanches during mixed rain and snow storm events
Detecting snow depth change in avalanche path starting zones using uninhabited aerial systems and structure from motion photogrammetry Detecting snow depth change in avalanche path starting zones using uninhabited aerial systems and structure from motion photogrammetry
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Glacier Research
A regional spatio-temporal analysis of large magnitude snow avalanches using tree rings A regional spatio-temporal analysis of large magnitude snow avalanches using tree rings
Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation Specialized meltwater biodiversity persists despite widespread deglaciation
Research Note: How old are the people who die in avalanches? A look into the ages of avalanche victims in the United States (1950-2018) Research Note: How old are the people who die in avalanches? A look into the ages of avalanche victims in the United States (1950-2018)
Reanalysis of the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark Glaciers: Long-term insight into climate forcing of glacier mass balance Reanalysis of the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark Glaciers: Long-term insight into climate forcing of glacier mass balance
Forecasting for dry and wet avalanches during mixed rain and snow storm events Forecasting for dry and wet avalanches during mixed rain and snow storm events
Detecting snow depth change in avalanche path starting zones using uninhabited aerial systems and structure from motion photogrammetry Detecting snow depth change in avalanche path starting zones using uninhabited aerial systems and structure from motion photogrammetry
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.