ИСТИНА

Khibiny Mountains is an area within the arctic territory of Russia with the increasing exploitation of its natural resources and the seasonal snow being the main indicator of climate changes. Thus, this area is highly vulnerable to all predicted changes in terms of local population, economics, environment and industry which are the subjects to mountain hazards. The region is highly developed due to the infrastructure and transportation systems related to the urban constructions, current, suspended and new mines along with the rapidly growing winter recreation component whether it is ski complexes or individual touristic areas. To evaluate individual avalanche risk the parameters of avalanche activity (frequency of avalanches, duration of the avalanche-prone period) and socio-economic parameters of people's vulnerability were taken under consideration. High degree of avalanche hazard obviously occurs within the zones of ski complexes and major transportation lines as well as within the territory of the settlements and industrial areas. Results of assessment and mapping of individual avalanche risk show that acceptable risk level (less than 1*10-6) prevails for the most part of Khibiny Mountains. Areas with admissible and unacceptable individual avalanche risk prevail at the south-east part where settlements, ski complexes and minings are located. High values of individual avalanche risk are common for ski mountaineering areas. The most part of Khibiny ski complexes is located within avalanche-hazardous slopes. Integrated estimation of avalanche activity, hazard and risk was introduced for the study area for the first time. However, the lack of modern and innovative approaches to snow avalanche mapping in the region is the most important challenge along with the poor reporting on avalanche situation. Due to the increasing industry and touristic activity, the up-to-date picture of avalanche situation in the area is needed together with the informative reporting to the local community and government.