Avalanche Phenomena in Northwest Himalaya: A Review

Abstract

Snow avalanches impact pedestrian and vehicular movement during winter in Indian Himalaya. For prediction of snow avalanches, the nation has covered a long distance in developing tools and techniques for prediction of snow avalanches. The challenges posed by the changing climatic conditions, which has in turn affected the avalanche phenomena, have been addressed to a large extent though a lot remains yet to be done. This review paper discusses avalanche phenomenon with its characteristics particularly in Western Himalaya followed by forecasting techniques developed and used so far. The effect of changing climatic pattern on avalanche phenomenon has been discussed.