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Debris flow simulation and modeling of the 2021 flash flood hazard caused by a rock-ice avalanche in the Rishiganga River valley of Uttarakhand

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Abstract

The high mountain ecosystem of the Indian Himalayas has frequently been experiencing primary hazards (like earthquakes, avalanches, and landslides). Often, these events are followed by the triggering of secondary hazards (like landslide dams, debris flows, and flooding), thereby posing massive risks to infrastructure and residents in the region. This study was taken up to understand the dynamics of an extraordinary debris flood disaster in the Rishiganga River valley, Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on 7th February 2021. Rapid mass movements (RAMMS)-debris flow software was employed to recreate the entire sequence of the hazard consisting of a rock-ice slide, mass deposition and erosion along the channel, and subsequent debris flood. Forty-nine scenarios were analyzed for accurate calibration of dry-Coulomb type friction coefficient (µ) and viscous-turbulent friction coefficient (ξ). Consequently, the geomorphologic characteristics of the debris flow were validated using high-resolution satellite image interpretation and field photographs. The volume of detached rock-ice mass was estimated to be 26.42 × 106 m3. At the same time, the RAMMS-derived model outputs for velocity, flow depth, and momentum were found in good agreement with the extent and height of actual debris on the ground. The study highlights an urgent need to identify the glaciers with a high risk of ice avalanches in the Indian Himalayas. The presented modeling approach may be applied in dynamic mountain ecosystems to simulate potential flash floods due to avalanches. Moreover, the information reported in this study can be vital input for improving the district-level disaster management plan.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to express a deep sense of gratitude and sincere thanks to the Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRD&M), IIT Roorkee, for providing a conducive environment and resources to conduct the research work. We also thank Team RAMMS at the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF for providing the free student license of RAMMS debris flow software module.

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  1. Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee -247 667, Uttarakhand, India

    Gagandeep Singh, Manish Rawat & Ashish Pandey

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Gagandeep Singh, Research Associate at the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, conceptualized the idea and methodology, processed the relevant data sets, developed the model set-up, validated the results, and carried out the formal analysis. He also drafted the manuscript and reviewed the results. Manish Rawat, Ph.D. Scholar at the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, developed the model set-up and validated the results. Dr. Ashish Pandey, Professor at the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, India, supervised the first author, reviewed the manuscript draft, and administered the progress of the research work.

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Correspondence to Gagandeep Singh.

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Singh, G., Rawat, M. & Pandey, A. Debris flow simulation and modeling of the 2021 flash flood hazard caused by a rock-ice avalanche in the Rishiganga River valley of Uttarakhand. Environ Monit Assess 195, 1118 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11774-w

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