SNOW RELATER NATURAL HAZARDS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The most dangerous natural processes associated with snow in Kazakhstan are spring floods caused by intensive snowmelt; heavy snowfalls and the resulting snow loads; as well as snow avalanches caused by the disruption of the stability of snow cover on mountain slopes. The article examines the main factors in the formation of these phenomena and the patterns of their distribution in Kazakhstan. The scientific and practical significance of the work lies in creating a scientific basis for developing measures to prevent damage from hazardous natural processes. The article uses materials from long-term observations, on the basis of which maps of the danger of spring floods on the lowland rivers of Kazakhstan, as well as maps of snow loads and avalanche danger in mountainous areas were compiled. Most often, severe spring floods occur on the rivers of Western, Northern, Central and Eastern Kazakhstan. The 2024 floods caused damage of more than 200 billion tenge. The greatest danger from snow avalanches is in the Ile Alatau mountains of the Almaty region. Over the past 75 years, 74 people have died from snow avalanches in this region. The maximum snow loads are observed in the mountainous regions of the East Kazakhstan region. The research results can serve as a basis for developing methods for monitoring and forecasting dangerous glacial phenomena and choosing measures to protect against them.