Topographic, Climatic, and Human Controls on Snow Avalanches and Their Management in the Bucegi Mountains (Romanian Carpathians)

Snow avalanches are complex geomorphological processes that represent major natural hazards in mountain environments and result from the interaction between topographic, climatic, and human factors. This study represents the first attempt in Romania to analyze the role and contribution of these controlling factors in triggering avalanches within Bucegi Natural Park (Southern Carpathians). Two distinct sectors were identified based on their geographical characteristics. The High Glacial Sector, located in the northern part of the park, exceeds 2400–2500 m a.s.l. and is characterized by steep slopes, rugged terrain, and harsh climatic conditions, and hosts ski touring and mountaineering activity. The second sector, the Sinaia ski area, lies between 1400 and 2100 m a.s.l., with cuesta relief and milder climate, where human influence is more pronounced in the form of ski touring and off-piste skiing. This study aims to analyze avalanche-influencing factors; identify differences between the two sectors; and evaluate risk management measures. The methodology integrates morphometric analysis, correlation of terrain attributes, hazard classification, and statistical analysis of avalanche events using mountain rescue data and climatic variables. The results indicate that avalanches in the high-altitude mountain sector are mainly controlled by natural factors, while in the Sinaia ski area, they are often triggered by human activity. Risk management measures remain limited and unevenly distributed.