Item: Winter 2013/2014 on the Italian Alps – Analysis and Lesson Learned About Avalanche Risk Treatment and Management Strategies
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Title: Winter 2013/2014 on the Italian Alps – Analysis and Lesson Learned About Avalanche Risk Treatment and Management Strategies
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Chiambretti I. [ AINEVA, Trento, Italy ]
- Dellavedova P. [ Fondazione Montagna Sicura, Courmayeur, AO, Italy ] [ Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta, Ufficio neve e valanghe, Quart, AO, Italy ] [ AINEVA, Trento, Italy ]
- Segor V. [ Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta, Ufficio neve e valanghe, Quart, AO, Italy ] [ AINEVA, Trento, TN, Italy ]
- Valt M. [ ARPA Veneto-DRST-SNV - Centro Valanghe di Arabba, Arabba, Italy ] [ AINEVA, Trento, TN, Italy ]
- Cianfarra P. [ Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Dipartimento di Scienze-Sezione Geologia, Roma, RM, Italy. ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: Winter 2013/2014 in Italy was the second warmest since 1800. At low elevation it was characterized by frequent as well as abundant rainfalls (>62% above the average value for the reference period). At high elevations (above 1500 m a.s.l.), on the other hand, the winter season recorded remarkable amounts of snow on the Italian side of the Alps: exceptional values of snow cover, up to more than 800 cm, has been cumulated at 2000 m a.s.l. (around twice the long-term average) and fresh snow fell for single event up to 150 cm/24 h. During December and January the snowpack was composed, at its deepest levels, by persistent weak layers and slippery interfaces covered by subsequent heavy snowfalls which led to a short but intense period of instability (several provoked avalanches). As such weak base was covered by fresh snow, it no longer exerted any influence on the triggering of avalanches. Subsequent snowpack instability was first focused in the uppermost snowpack layers due to the weakening effects of further periods of precipitation and finally was extended to the whole thickness due to the exceptional overload and percolation of liquid water. A critical avalanche situation prevailed for an extraordinarily long period along all the Alps. Spontaneous avalanches reached mountain huts, ski slopes and ropeways as well as roads and small villages. Avalanche protection measures were severely damaged and artificial avalanche release, in spite of their extensive use, were not always satisfactory in reducing the risk. Several insights arise from this recent experience.
Language of Article: English
Presenters:
Keywords: Italian Alps, Winter 2013-2014, Avalanche criticalities
Page Number(s): 1024-1030
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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