Item: AVALANCHE RISK MANAGEMENT IN LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD
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Title: AVALANCHE RISK MANAGEMENT IN LONGYEARBYEN, SVALBARD
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2024, Tromsø, Norway
Authors:
- Holt Hancock [ Norwegian Geotechnical Institute ]
- Martin Indreiten [ The Arctic Safety Centre ]
- Christian Jaedicke [ Norwegian Geotechnical Institute ] [ Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo ]
Date: 2024-09-23
Abstract: Snow avalanches have impacted human life and infrastructure in Longyearbyen, Svalbard since the settlement’s inception as a mining town in the early 20th century. In the last half-century, dramatic climatic changes superimposed upon a societal shift from a company-controlled town to an international tourist and research destination have changed the avalanche risk picture considerably. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and more intensive use of the terrain in and around the settlement have changed both patterns of avalanche hazard and human exposure. In this work, we describe how Longyearbyen’s dynamic socioenvironmental setting together with a relatively high concentration of avalanche-specific research have influenced the development and implementation of avalanche risk mitigation strategies in Longyearbyen’s High Arctic location. We detail the overlapping history of avalanche accidents, avalanche research, and risk management in Longyearbyen, with emphasis on the rapid risk management strategy transformation since a destructive avalanche struck the settlement in 2015. Risk mitigation strategies implemented in recent years included a wide range of organizational (avalanche forecasting, evacuation schemes) and structural measures (defense structures, catching dams). The diversity of applied measures and actors involved in their implementation makes Longyearbyen a relevant example of avalanche risk management challenges in areas undergoing rapid climatic change.
Object ID: ISSW2024_O7.6.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Holt Hancock
Keywords: climate change, risk management, Arctic, avalanche history
Page Number(s): 833 - 840
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