Research indicates that climate change will lead to fewer avalanches in Switzerland overall, yet wet snow avalanches are predicted to pose greater risks by 2100. Rising winter temperatures are expected to diminish the overall activity of avalanches while still allowing for extreme weather events that could lead to significant snowfall at higher elevations.
According to research conducted by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), climate change is anticipated to reduce the overall frequency of avalanches in Switzerland while simultaneously increasing the risks associated with wet snow avalanches by the year 2100. As winter temperatures are projected to rise by approximately five degrees Celsius, the activity of dry snow avalanches is expected to decline significantly. In instances of wet snow avalanches, where snowpack moisture arises from melting or rainfall, researchers forecast an increase in such events, particularly above the tree line. The study, which made observations at seven different sites across Switzerland, including the Weissfluhjoch and a location near Zermatt at an altitude of 2,700 meters, indicates that the number of avalanches reaching valley areas will diminish over time. This shift is attributed to higher average temperatures resulting in a later end of the snow season and a corresponding rise in the average snow line. Nevertheless, extreme weather events could still provoke substantial snowfall, potentially leading to larger avalanches at elevated altitudes, which may still reach the valley through defined channels, mirroring current patterns. Researchers emphasize that the only recommended safety measure in high-risk zones is the closure of ski resorts, underlining the urgent need for adaptive strategies amid these climatic changes. Furthermore, the implications of these findings extend beyond Switzerland, as they can be applied to other mountainous regions exhibiting similar climate characteristics, such as the Columbia Mountains in Canada.
The impact of climate change on avalanche behavior is an increasingly pertinent topic, particularly for alpine regions like Switzerland, where tourism relies on winter sports. Understanding how rising temperatures influence snow conditions is crucial for managing safety measures in ski resorts and mountainous terrains. This research highlights the dual nature of the threats posed by climate change: while certain types of avalanches may become less frequent, others, such as wet snow avalanches, could become more prevalent, presenting new dangers.
In summary, the findings from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research underscore a complex relationship between climate change and avalanche risk in Switzerland. While the anticipated reduction in overall avalanche occurrences may seem reassuring, the increasing likelihood of wet snow avalanches signals a need for proactive safety measures, especially the closure of ski areas in vulnerable locations. These findings hold significance not only for Switzerland but also for other mountain regions affected by similar climatic shifts.
Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch
