Explicit avalanche-forest feedback simulations improve the performance of a coupled avalanche-forest model.

Highlights: [•] TreeMig-Aval is a spatially explicit forest model coupled with an avalanche module. [•] The simulated avalanche-forest feedback depends strongly on environmental factors. [•] We evaluated sensitivity to slope steepness, additional disturbances and temperature. [•] Model complexity could not be reduced by omitting the feedback or forest dynamics. [•] Explicit simulation of avalanche-forest feedbacks is crucial for treeline simulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]