Kimio INOUE
Abstract
A slush avalanche occurred on Mt. Fuji on March 25, 2007, causing damage including
disruption of the Fuji Skyline and collapse of tourist facilities. Large]scale
slush avalanches sometimes reach as far as downstream areas, causing flood damage.
This kind of avalanche, called gYukishiro" in this area, has been known
since ancient times. In 1834, a severe slush avalanche occurred on Mt. Fuji,
which was recorded in many historic documents.
Similar slush avalanche could be recurred on the mountain flank in the future.
To prevent and mitigate damage, it is important to ascertain the actual conditions
that occur during such disaster. Therefore, to investigate the development of
the phenomenon, I analyzed historical records depicting the 1834 slush avalanche
and also conducted field surveys at the damage sites.
It was found that the 1834 slush avalanche had been triggered by a severe collapse
at the head stream area of the Yumisawa River. Diverging into the Kazamatsuri
River, the avalanche flowed down to the stream area, engulfing sediment and
trees that was flooding over the lava area along the way.
Key wordsFMt. Fuji, slush avalanche, Yukishiro, historic documents, old maps