Hazard indication mapping for Georgia

The SLF has developed large-scale natural hazard maps for Georgia using a combination of terrain analyses and numerical modelling tools.

The underlying technology for the project was developed by the SLF and combines two software tools. The first step involves using terrain analysis algorithms to automatically identify and delimit avalanche starting zones in mountainous areas. The identified starting zones are then put through the RAMMS modelling tool to predict the avalanche runout zones. The calculation methodology used for Georgia was recently published in the journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences and involves simulating different avalanche return periods based on a range of release depths in the snowpack. Given that avalanche-prone areas are characterised by the avalanche impact pressure, high-resolution digital terrain models are a key component of the modelling chain. In this way, endangered buildings and road sections can be identified. In total, the SLF researchers simulated over 2 million avalanches for Georgia, for various snow and forest cover scenarios, and used them to create hazard indication maps. As a follow-up step, the engineers on site are now carrying out more detailed simulations, but only in areas where the avalanche hazard is extreme.