snowsheds
Mountain railway covers
Snowsheds are protective structures built over railroad tracks or roads in mountainous regions to shield them from avalanches and heavy snow accumulation.
These tunnel-like coverings, typically constructed of timber, concrete, or steel, allow snow and debris to slide harmlessly over the top rather than blocking or damaging the route below.
The train passed through several snowsheds as it climbed through the mountain pass.
They remain common features of railways in the Alps, Rockies, and other snowy mountain ranges.
Mass of sliding snow
- debrisScattered broken fragments
- runoutComplete depletion of supply
- chuteInclined passage for descent
- slideSmooth continuous movement
accumulation · drifts · cornice · slab · whiteout · blizzard · powder · icefall
Wood for construction
- concreteSolid building mixture
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
- beamsRays or supports
columns · framework · cantilever · girders · trusses · load-bearing · span · arches
Of high elevations
- passMove beyond or decline
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- elevationHeight above reference point
Sierra · Rockies · Alps · Cascades · terrain · slope · grade · steep
Protected place or structure
- coverProtect by overlaying
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- shieldingProtecting from harm
- defenseProtection against harm
guard · safety · prevention · buffer · enclosure · deflection · safeguard · screen
Path or monitored route
- trainRail vehicle or instruct
- locomotiveRailway pulling machine
- derailmentLeaving the intended track
- routePath from A to B
corridor · passage · clearance · right-of-way · grade · switchback · transcontinental · maintenance
snowslide
Mass of sliding snow
slide · accumulation · drifts · cornice · slab · whiteout · blizzard · powder · icefall · flurry
timber
Wood for construction
- concreteSolid building mixture
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- reinforcementAdding support or encouragement
beams · columns · framework · cantilever · girders · trusses · load-bearing · span · arches · masonry
alpine
Of high elevations
elevation · Sierra · Rockies · Alps · Cascades · terrain · slope · grade · steep · exposed
shelter
Protected place or structure
defense · guard · safety · prevention · buffer · enclosure · deflection · safeguard · screen · canopy
track
Path or monitored route
- trainRail vehicle or instruct
- locomotiveRailway pulling machine
- derailmentLeaving the intended track
route · corridor · passage · clearance · right-of-way · grade · switchback · transcontinental · maintenance
- polar operationsice roads, ice station, research station, icebreakers, research base