GIS-Based Spatial Modeling of Snow Avalanches Using Analytic Hierarchy Process. A Case Study of the Šar Mountains, Serbia

Snow avalanches are one of the most devastating natural hazards in highlands that often cause human casualties and economic losses. The complex process modeling terrain susceptibility requires application modern methods software. prediction this study is based on use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, multicriteria analysis—analytic hierarchy (AHP) territory Šar Mountains (Serbia). Five indicators (lithological, geomorphological, hydrological, vegetation, climatic) were processed, where 14 criteria analyzed. results showed approximately 20% investigated area highly susceptible to 24% has a medium susceptibility. Based results, settlements avalanche protection measures should be applied have been singled out. obtained data can will help local self-governments, emergency management services, mountaineering services mitigate material losses from snow avalanches. This first research Republic Serbia deals with GIS-AHP spatial avalanches, methodology used tested other high mountainous regions.