Assessing avalanche susceptibility using the analytic hierarchical process and multi-criteria weighted overlay: a case study of the Leh-Parthapur road axis

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Purpose This paper aims to focus on devising a comprehensive approach for avalanche susceptibility mapping leveraging the analytic hierarchical process (AHP) coupled with multi-criteria weighted overlay (MCWO) technique and further prioritizing based on ASSI and flow modeling. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology comprises four main stages. Initially, relevant spatial data sets, including terrain attributes and meteorological factors, are collected, processed and reclassified. The AHP with MCWO is then applied to establish hierarchical criteria and determine the relative importance of each criterion, resulting in a composite avalanche susceptibility map (ASM). Avalanche sites identified and vectorized from ASM, prioritized using avalanche site susceptibility index (ASSI). Final prioritization is based on RAMMS flow modeling for three sites with the highest ASSI. Finally, a Web-based application, AvalSAFE-LPR, is created using Google Earth Engine for visualization and dissemination of results. Findings The final analysis of the study area shows that 28.5% is classified as low susceptibility, 56.6% as moderate susceptibility and 14.9% as high susceptibility zones. Additionally, 28 avalanche sites were identified along the LPR, and the three sites with the highest ASSI were modeled using the RAMMS: Avalanche Module. Originality/value This research represents a novel approach to identify, vectorize and prioritize the avalanche prone sites by integrating AHP with RAMMS: Avalanche Module and ASSI.