In this study, a GIS-based large-scale hazard indication map was generated for Çaykara District (Trabzon, NE Turkey) by taking the forest into account in the determination of potential release zones. In addition, the forest stands with potential protection function (FS-PPF) were determined and mapped in terms of defined degrees of protection (high, moderate, moderate-low, low, and very low). In total, 5525 release zones covering 8446 ha were determined in Çaykara District, whereas the areas exposed to avalanche hazards covered 22088 ha. In addition, 6629 ha of FS-PPF were mapped, 72% of which fell into the high FS-PPF protection class and included pure or mixed coniferous forest stands. Moreover, 22% of the entire FS-PPF mapped in the study area fell within the very low protection class. In terms of forest stand types, it was revealed that 54% of the FS-PPF against snow avalanches consisted of pure coniferous or coniferous mixed with other tree species, 24% were mixed coniferous and broad-leaved tree species (coniferous tree species being predominant), 11% were mixed broad-leaved and coniferous tree species (broad-leaved tree species being predominant), and 11% were pure broad-leaved tree species or broad-leaved species mixed with others. In this study, we have proposed a procedure to depict the different degrees of protection provided by the FS-PPF against snow avalanches in order to facilitate functional planning goals in Turkish forestry. The results showed that the FS-PPF map could be integrated within forest management plans and could be used as a base in the planning of silvicultural operations.
Cite this article as: Aydın, A., Eker, R., & Odabaşı, Y. B. (2022). Generating avalanche hazard indication map and determining snow avalanche protection forests in Çaykara-Trabzon (NE-Turkey). Forestist, 72(1), 62-72.