Item: SNOW AVALANCHE EXPOSURE AND CONSEQUENCES IN NORWAY
-
-
Title: SNOW AVALANCHE EXPOSURE AND CONSEQUENCES IN NORWAY
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Håvard B. Toft [ The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
- Pierrick S. Nicolet [ The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Oslo, Norway ]
- Tore Humstad [ Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Molde, Norway ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: This study provides a national overview of snow avalanche exposure and consequences in Norway across three key sectors: buildings, roads, and backcountry travel. By combining multiple national and regional datasets, we quantify where people, infrastructure, and activities are exposed to avalanche hazard and describe the human and societal consequences associated with avalanche events and disruptions. The exposure of buildings is assessed by combining the national building registry with the most recent avalanche hazard indication maps, which delineate areas potentially affected by snow avalanches with a target return period of 1000 years. This provides a national estimate of the number and spatial distribution of buildings and residents located within avalanche-prone terrain. Avalanche exposure on the public road network is assessed using data from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, including records of avalanches affecting roads and the frequency and duration of road closures. By combining traffic operation data with traffic volumes, we quantify exposure in terms of the number of vehicles potentially affected by avalanche-related disruptions. Recreational exposure is examined using beacon checker data, submitted GPS tracks, and a wisdom-of-the-crowds approach to estimate current backcountry skiing activity and reconstruct changes in participation between 2005 and 2025. In addition, we examine observed avalanche consequences, including fatalities, injuries, near misses, search and rescue operations and healthcare impacts. Together, these analyses provide a national description of how snow avalanche exposure and consequences are distributed across the Norwegian society and how their relative importance differs between sectors.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P3.9.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099253
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): HÃ¥vard Boutera Toft
Keywords: Avalanche, Exposure, Consequences, Buildings, Roads, Recreation
Page Number(s): 392 - 399
-