Author(s)

S. Kellomaki & H. Peltola

Abstract

This study demonstrates how to assess the risk of wind and snow damage in unmanaged and managed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and birch spp. (Betula spp.) at different stages in tree or stand development. The risk assesment is based on the prediction of critical windspeeds and/or snow loads at which trees may be uprooted or broken and on the probability distribution of long-term extremes in wind (and snow) conditions at the site. In the above context, critical windspeeds and/or snow loads are predicted by employing a mechanistic wind and snow damage model describing fully the mechanistic

Keywords