Climate change is anticipated to decrease overall avalanche occurrences in Switzerland but increase the likelihood of wet snow avalanches due to rising temperatures. Significant changes in avalanche behavior may necessitate safety measures like closing ski resorts in vulnerable zones.
Climate change is projected to significantly impact avalanche behavior in Switzerland by the year 2100. According to the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), while the overall number of avalanches is expected to decline, the incidence of wet snow avalanches will increase. This is largely attributed to rising average winter temperatures, which are anticipated to warm by approximately five degrees Celsius. Consequently, wet snow avalanches, characterized by a portion of the snowpack being saturated with melt or rainfall, are likely to occur more frequently above the tree line. The study conducted by SLF at various locations, including Weissfluhjoch above Davos and an elevation station near Zermatt at 2,700 meters, indicates that as temperatures rise, dry snow avalanches will become less common. This trend is expected to reduce the frequency of avalanches reaching valley areas. However, extreme snowfall events may still occur, potentially leading to larger avalanches at higher altitudes, which could reach valley floors through channeled paths. Researchers emphasize that the most effective safety measure in avalanche-prone regions will be the closure of ski resorts located in vulnerable zones due to these emerging risks. They caution that despite a forecasted decline in overall avalanche activity, localized and severe weather patterns could still pose substantial threats in the future.
The phenomenon of avalanches poses a considerable risk to life and property in mountainous regions, particularly in Switzerland, known for its ski resorts and alpine activities. As climate change alters snow patterns and temperatures, understanding how avalanches may behave in a warming climate is critical for safety and planning in these regions. Studies conducted by research institutes like SLF provide essential insights into these changes, enabling authorities to implement effective mitigation strategies.
In summary, climate change is expected to alter the behavior of avalanches in Switzerland by 2100, with a decline in dry snow avalanches but an increase in wet snow avalanches. This shift poses new safety challenges, necessitating the closure of ski resorts in high-risk areas to ensure public safety in a changing climate.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
