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Avalanche Hazard Mitigation Strategies Assessed by Cost Effectiveness Analyses and Cost Benefit Analyses—evidence from Davos, Switzerland

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  • Sven Fuchs
  • Magdalena Thöni
  • Maria McAlpin
  • Urs Gruber
  • Michael Bründl

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the application of cost effectiveness analysis and cost benefit analysis to alternative avalanche risk reduction strategies in Davos, Switzerland. The advantages as well as limitations of such analysis for natural hazards planning are discussed with respect to 16 avalanche risk reduction strategies. Scenarios include risk reduction measures that represent the main approaches to natural hazards planning in Switzerland, such as technical, organisational, and land use planning measures. The methodologies used outline how concepts and techniques from risk analysis, hazard mapping, Geographic Information System, and economics can be interdisciplinary combined. The results suggest important considerations, such as possible sources of uncertainty due to different choices in the calculation of cost effectiveness ratio and net present value. Given the parameters and assumptions, it seems as if the current approach to avalanche risk reduction in the study area approximates to economic and cost efficiency and serves the aim of reducing risk to human fatalities. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2007

Suggested Citation

  • Sven Fuchs & Magdalena Thöni & Maria McAlpin & Urs Gruber & Michael Bründl, 2007. "Avalanche Hazard Mitigation Strategies Assessed by Cost Effectiveness Analyses and Cost Benefit Analyses—evidence from Davos, Switzerland," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 41(1), pages 113-129, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:41:y:2007:i:1:p:113-129
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-006-9031-z
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    1. Nick Hanley & Clive L. Spash, 1993. "Cost–Benefit Analysis and the Environment," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 205.
    2. Andrea M. Leiter & Gerald J. Pruckner, 2005. "Dying in an Avalanche: Current Risks and Valuation," School of Economics and Public Policy Working Papers 2005-16, University of Adelaide, School of Economics and Public Policy.
    3. Wim Groot & Henriëtte Maassen van den Brink & Erik Plug, 2004. "Money for health: the equivalent variation of cardiovascular diseases," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(9), pages 859-872, September.
    4. Martin Laternser & Martin Schneebeli, 2002. "Temporal Trend and Spatial Distribution of Avalanche Activity during the Last 50 Years in Switzerland," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 27(3), pages 201-230, November.
    5. Sven Fuchs & Michael Bründl, 2005. "Damage Potential and Losses Resulting from Snow Avalanches in Settlements of the Canton of Grisons, Switzerland," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 34(1), pages 53-69, January.
    6. M. Barbolini & L. Natale & F. Savi, 2002. "Effects of Release Conditions Uncertainty on Avalanche Hazard Mapping," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 25(3), pages 225-244, March.
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    1. B. Mazzorana & F. Comiti & C. Volcan & C. Scherer, 2011. "Determining flood hazard patterns through a combined stochastic–deterministic approach," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 59(1), pages 301-316, October.
    2. Olschewski, Roland & Bebi, Peter & Teich, Michaela & Wissen Hayek, Ulrike & Grêt-Regamey, Adrienne, 2012. "Avalanche protection by forests — A choice experiment in the Swiss Alps," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(C), pages 19-24.
    3. Getzner, Michael & Gutheil-Knopp-Kirchwald, Gerlinde & Kreimer, Elisabeth & Kirchmeir, Hanns & Huber, Michael, 2017. "Gravitational natural hazards: Valuing the protective function of Alpine forests," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 150-159.
    4. Olga Petrucci & Giovanni Gullà, 2010. "A simplified method for assessing landslide damage indices," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 52(3), pages 539-560, March.
    5. Grace Relf & James Kendra & Robert Schwartz & Daniel Leathers & Delphis Levia, 2015. "Slushflows: science and planning considerations for an expanding hazard," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 78(1), pages 333-354, August.
    6. Bianchi, Ettore & Accastello, Cristian & Trappmann, Daniel & Blanc, Simone & Brun, Filippo, 2018. "The Economic Evaluation of Forest Protection Service Against Rockfall: A Review of Experiences and Approaches," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 409-418.
    7. B. Mazzorana & F. Comiti & S. Fuchs, 2013. "A structured approach to enhance flood hazard assessment in mountain streams," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 67(3), pages 991-1009, July.

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