Generating GIS-based large scale avalanche hazard maps

In the present study, it was aimed to create snow avalanche hazard map based geographic information systems (GIS) and to determine forested areas providing protection function against snow avalanches, for Çaykara district of Trabzon province. All works carried out are divided into 4 main stages: 1) Determination of potential avalanche release zones, 2) Determination and mapping of forested areas providing protection function against snow avalanches, 3) two dimensional snow avalanche simulations, and 4) Creating snow avalanche hazard maps. Potential snow avalanche release zones were GIS-based determined by using topographic parameters both taking into account the existence of forest or don't. Snow avalanche hazard map was generated by carrying out two dimensional snow avalanche simulations from potential avalanche release zones obtained by taking into account the existence of the forest. The forested areas providing protection function against snow avalanches were determined by using potential snow avalanche release zones determined and digitized forest maps. In the study area, 5.525 potential avalanche release zones with a total area of 8.446 ha were determined. According to the avalanche hazard map created, 22.088 Ha (%39 of the total area) is located under the avalanche hazard. In the study, it was observed that the avalanche hazard map generated and the past avalanche events overlapped well. Forested areas providing potential protective function against snow avalanches were determined as 6.628,84 Ha.