The 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal triggered a large avalanche in Langtang, covering the village with avalanche debris and causing severe damage. The analysis of this disaster was conducted using an avalanche dynamics simulation, which estimated the potential hazards to the village. Avalanche dynamics simulations were performed using the TITAN2D model to obtain the appropriate input parameters for largescale avalanche flows. Using these input parameters, we calculated the avalanche flows for various initial volumes to obtain a lower bound for the potential hazard to Langtang Village. Based on the lower bound, it was estimated that both earthquake-induced and ice avalanches could threaten villages in the future. We also attempted to create a hazard map to estimate the areas around Langtang village where avalanches may have occurred. Using the Polynomial Chaos Quadrature, we were able to account for the uncertainties in the input parameters at a low computational cost.

In the Niseko area in Hokkaido, Japan, a unique set of rules -the “Niseko Rules”- control the opening and closing of gates to allow off-course skiing according to the avalanche danger level. In recent years, the need for scientific evidence that can correctly explain the Niseko Rules and the establishment of human resource training and organizational systems to ensure their continued operation has become apparent. Therefore, in collaboration with the local government and ski resorts, this study developed a system to generate snow redistribution information, which is important for determining avalanche risks in the Niseko area. The constructed system provides wind observation data at multiple points in ski resorts, wind spatial distribution simulations based on observational data, snow redistribution simulations based on wind spatial distribution simulations, and wind spatial distribution and snow redistribution forecast information based on meteorological forecasted data. Research has continued to improve the accuracy of these simulations. Agile research and development are also underway to improve the usability of the system in ski resorts and affected municipalities.