Avalanche terrain analysis in Nunavik, Québec: a multi-criteria approach combining topographic and meteorological data

• Mapping avalanche-prone areas near Inuit villages in Nunavik, Quebec. • Use of a multi-criteria analysis method to overcome the lack of historical data. • Key roads and residential areas overlap with identified avalanche runout zones. • Windblown snow drives avalanche triggers in treeless northern landscapes. To address the knowledge gaps regarding snow avalanches in Nunavik, whose frequency and intensity may increase due to current climate change, this research aims to characterize avalanche potential areas located in or near local villages. To achieve this goal, a method inspired by various existing approaches, such as a multi-criteria analysis and the application of an empirical model to estimate maximum runout distances, was developed to better address the specific conditions of the study regions and the available data. Thus, various topographic and meteorological analyses were carried out near or in the villages of Umiujaq and Kangiqsualujjuaq (Nunavik, Québec). The following variables, ranked by their weighted importance, were used: slope steepness, the presence of leeward topographic depressions that promote snow accumulation, and the elevation of the slope. The final maps indicate that there are some issues for both villages, as the avalanche runout overlaps with roads and areas used for various activities. In Kangiqsualujjuaq, a potentially avalanche-prone area reaches the inhabited area. Overall, a total of 4.72 km 2 of avalanche-prone terrains was identified in Umiujaq and 1.47 km 2 in Kangiqsualujjuaq. The study also highlights the significant role of windblown snow transport in potential snow avalanche release areas and evaluates the most favourable wind directions for each village.