Assessment of avalanche hazard situation in Turkey during years 2010s

Abstract. Avalanches constitute risky situations especially for mountainous areas in the eastern part of Turkey. According to records of the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, avalanches have killed 30 people per year in Turkey over the last 30 years. Developing winter tourism also affects losses. For example, an avalanche occurred in Torul, Köstere, in the province of Giresun, on January 25, 2009, which killed 10 mountaineers and injured 7 people.

This research is focused on, known fatal avalanches and avalanche mitigation works. The obtanied map provides are reliable and easy to understand information where avalanches contstitue risksy sitation in regional scale as well as where new avalanche paths may develop under favourable conditions. Moreover the figure of avalanche hazard situation is presented to construct a picture of the potential threats. This paper provides information about avalanche fatalities and avalanche mitigation works in Turkey.