Updated avalanche risk assessments and danger zones

The landslide hazard zones in Longyearbyen have been updated following the completion of safety measures at Sukkertoppen and in Vannledningsdalen.

The updated assessments provide a new and comprehensive overview of the avalanche risk in parts of the city and will serve as an important knowledge base for further planning and emergency preparedness efforts.

On behalf of NVE, Skred AS has prepared the report “Compilation of Hazard Zones Before and After Mitigation Measures.” The report describes landslide hazards in steep terrain in the area from Longyearbyen School in the southwest to the pointed-roof houses in the northwest of Longyearbyen.

Adjustments to hazard zones following safety measures

The report provides a comprehensive and updated assessment of the hazard zones following the completion of the safety measures. The hazard zones have primarily been adjusted below the retaining structures at Sukkertoppen/below the avalanche barrier, and in the outlet below Vannledningsdalen. The areas between the avalanche barrier and Vannledningsdalen are not covered by the safety measures. Therefore, no significant changes have been made to the hazard zones here compared to previous assessments.

The updated avalanche zones are available in NVE’s Atlas External link.mapping solution and in LL’s own avalanche hazard map: Avalanche Hazard Map Longyearbyen External link.

Important basis for further planning

The report and the updated avalanche zones will serve as an important knowledge base for the Longyearbyen Local Council in several areas.

Among other things, the material will be used in the work to revise the Longyearbyen Local Council’s land-use plan, form part of the work to revise the comprehensive risk and vulnerability analysis in Longyearbyen, and play a key role in a planned revision of the overall plan for avalanche protection in Longyearbyen.

Updated avalanche hazard assessments and hazard zones will have implications for several areas and processes. We are currently working to map out and follow up on these.