Introduction
Avalanche hazard mapping has been a method used by forecasters since the late 1800's. An avalanche hazard map informs the user of the size, location and areal extent of the danger zone of potential avalanches.The need for such maps is apparent with the increase in recreational use of backcountry areas. Avalanche fatalities have substantially increased over the past 20 years and recent reports suggest that 90 percent of hazardous avalanche incidents are triggered by recreationalists in avalanche release zones. In the local North Shore Mountains, there have been numerous incidents where recreationalists have been caught in avalanches. In 1999 two 16 year old girls were caught and killed in an avalanche and the previous year an experienced ski instructor was killed skiing out of bounds in the Cypress backcountry. These incidents were a few of many occurrences where avalanches were triggered by recreationalists traveling in potential release areas in the North Shore Mountains. The development of local avalanche hazard maps is a crucial process towards mitigating the danger posed to people using the North Shore backcountry.
Until recently an avalanche hazard identification map has been compiled from topographic maps and field observation based on long term experience and records. With the advancement of computer technology, most notably GIS software, avalanche hazard modeling and terrain analysis has become a useful tool used for hazard map production.The purpose of this project was to design an avalanche suitability map that evaluates the major factors contributing to avalanche release. The study area used for this analysis is the North Shore Mountains. The final goal of this analysis is to produce a working model that incorporates the major terrain characteristics and evaluates the potential of avalanche release based on those major characteristics. The full analysis presenting in this project is performed using multi-criteria analysis in IDRISI.