International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Statistical Avalanche Run-Out Modelling Using GIS on Selected Slopes of Western Tatras National Park, Slovakia

• • Title: Statistical Avalanche Run-Out Modelling Using GIS on Selected Slopes of Western Tatras National Park, Slovakia

    Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings

    Authors:

    • Marek Biskupič  [ Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic ]  [ Mountain Rescue Service, Jasná Low Tatras, Slovakia ]
    • Ivan Barka  [ National Forest Centre, Zvolen, Slovakia ]

    Date: 2009

    Abstract: Without doubt avalanche run-out distances play a key role in landuse planning within avalanche prone areas. The Žiarska valley in Western Tatras is considered as one of the most avalanche prone valleys in the whole area of Carpathian Mountains. This environment represents a perfect opportunity for studying and modelling extreme avalanche run-outs. The valley is frequently visited by backcountry skiers as well as roads and several cabins are located there. Therefore a careful land use planning with respect to extreme avalanche run-out is crucial. First of all avalanche release zones were estimated by using an existing model proposed by Hreško. This model was changed and calibrated using avalanche data extracted from a database which is maintained by Slovak Centre for Avalanche Mitigation. The alpha-beta regression model developed in Norway has been used for estimating avalanche run-outs. This model is calibrated for use in Western Tatras. Topographical parameters from well known extreme avalanche paths have been collected using GPS. Data processing and model calibration have been elaborated in GIS environment. Avenue script for ArcView was written to perform automated run-out estimation based on alpha-beta regression model. Model managed fairly well to estimate runouts on some slopes while it failed to model runups. Finally the results were visualized by creating the fly-through simulations and 3D views. Winter season 08/09 with catastrophic avalanches showed the importance of avalanche run-out modelling. Many installations have been damaged due to improper land use planning without respect to extreme avalanches. Comparison between model calculation and avalanche cadastre showed correlation.

    Object ID: issw-2009-0482-0487.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Unknown

    Keywords: snow avalanches, geographic information systems (gis), run-out modelling, western tatras

    Page Number(s): 482-487

    Subjects: western tatras national park, slovakia geographic information system (gis) avalanche run-out modelling

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