Avalanche Hazards Modelling

North Line GIS, LLC

Avalanche hazard areas are determined by comparing slopes and vegetation prone to slides. High hazard areas represent slopes from 28 to 35 degrees but with vegetation that is prone to avalanches. Extreme hazard areas show slopes 35 degrees and greater and vegetation or lack of vegetation that is prone to avalanches.

Slopes from 36 to 40 degrees have some of the greatest avalanche risk regardless of other conditions. Although avalanches may occur under many different circumstances, this map tries to display areas of known hazards in Loveland Pass, Colorado.

By using remote-sensing data, vegetation types prone to slides may be identified. These vegetation types are extracted into a raster format and reclassified. Slope data is extracted from the terrain data. Slopes from 28 to 45 degrees are the main focus. However, slopes greater than 45 degrees are extracted to show high hazard areas within the model.

Originally, this project started out as a way to develop winter recreation maps for backcountry travelers. The goal was to provide a tool for route planning so avalanche triggers could be avoided. However, as the project progressed, the value of the information available from the model was seen to be farther reaching than just backcountry travel. The model is now being applied to mountain subdivision planning, ski resort management, and highway maintenance.

© 2009 North Line GIS, LLC.

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