Analysis of snow avalanche causes and damages in District Chitral, Pakistan

Abstract

Avalanches are a major problem in the Central Asian area, which includes the Karakorum, Hindu Kush, and Pamir ranges. Avalanches are frequently caused by the glaciers of Chiantar, Tirchmir, and Atrak near Chitral district. This study investigated the causes of avalanches in Chitral using data from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) acquired from USGS. High-resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM (30 m) from USGS was used to examine the causative factors such as elevation, slope, aspect, and hill shade. The objectives of the study were to determine the causes of natural avalanches, evaluate the amount of damage caused between 2010 and 2020, and provide a distribution map that shows the danger zones. Using GIS technology, it was discovered that the length and steepness of the slope, together with the lack of summit trees, were the main causes of large avalanches in Chitral. Avalanche hotspots throughout the last ten years were identified on the distribution map that resulted. Forecasters can identify danger areas and describe scenarios with the use of this information. The avalanche inventory map helps policymakers create preventative measures for risky locations in Chitral, which helps with risk management.