Mapping of mountain hazards and slope stability

A sequel to the paper by Kienholz et al. (1983) already noticed on the Kathmandu-Kakani area in the Middle Mountains of Nepal. Notes are given on a base map (scale 1:10000) which includes information on: actual damage by erosion and landsliding, areas protected by forests, potential damage by erosion and landsliding, streams and rivers. Notes are also given on a map of mountain hazards and slope stability (scale 1:10000) showing: degree of hazard; differentiation between direct hazard to life and property and indirect hazard caused by severe soil loss; differentiation between hazard assessment based on confirmed facts and that based on supposition; and type of hazard (such as soil erosion, landsliding, and gullying). The cultivated slopes of the upper Kolpu Khola watershed are the most endangered. In the Kathmandu Valley only the steep slopes of the Tar terraces along the stream banks are significantly affected by hazards. However, some large areas are endangered by floods during the summer monsoon season. The large forest areas are mostly stable. After deforestation, however, increased soil erosion and landslides should be anticipated.