USING GIS FOR AVALANCHE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING IN RODNEI MOUNTAINS
IOANA SIMEA
ABSTRACT. Using GIS for avalanche susceptibility mapping in Rodnei
Mountains. This case study combines GIS methods with field work in order to
assess the snow avalanche susceptibility in Rodnei Mountains. The database used
contains a 10 m resolution DEM, ortophotos and data from field campaigns.
Several factors affecting avalanche formation (slope angle, land use, slope
curvature, elevation) were calculated in a first phase. Using the bonitation
method, each of these factors was taken into consideration depending of its own
importance in avalanche formation. As a result of GIS implementation, an
avalanche susceptibility map was derived, our focus being on the high zone of
Rodnei Mountains. A high avalanche susceptibility was calculated for 50.6 kmē of
the territory and characterizes steep slopes close to the following peaks:
Pietrosul, Puzdrele, Laptele Mare, Gărgălău, Roşu, etc. In order to validate
this method, we used 94 avalanche starting zones. After analyzing them in
relation to the susceptibility map, we conclude that 89.4% of the avalanche
starting zones are situated in areas calculated as being high susceptible in
avalanche formation.
Key words: GIS, avalanche, bonitation, susceptibility.