Impact of Climate Change on Avalanche Behavior in Switzerland by 2100

Climate change is forecasted to decrease the overall frequency of avalanches in Switzerland by 2100 while increasing the risk of wet snow avalanches due to warmer winter temperatures. Researchers warn of the need for safety measures in ski resorts in vulnerable areas.

Climate change is projected to modify avalanche behavior in Switzerland by 2100, with a noted decrease in the overall number of avalanches. However, this change will be accompanied by an increase in the risk of wet snow avalanches, particularly in zones above the treeline, due to rising winter temperatures. The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) highlights that as the average winter temperature rises by an estimated five degrees Celsius, the frequency of dry snow avalanches is expected to decline, while wet snow avalanches will become a more significant concern. Extreme winter weather events may still occur, potentially resulting in larger avalanches at higher elevations that could reach valley areas via established pathways. The SLF conducted its research across seven specific locations in Switzerland, including the Weissfluhjoch area near Davos and a high-altitude site near Zermatt. The findings indicate that these trends may not be confined to Switzerland alone but could also apply to other alpine regions exhibiting similar climatic conditions, such as Canada’s Columbia Mountains. Amidst these changes, researchers caution that ski resorts located in high-risk areas may need to implement closure policies as a preventive safety measure.

The relationship between climate change and avalanche behavior is an emerging area of research, particularly in the context of the Swiss Alps, which are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. With rising average temperatures, it is anticipated that the snowpack’s behavior will also shift, diminishing the prevalence of traditional dry snow avalanches. This adaptation brings to light increased risks associated with wet snow avalanches, which pose their own unique dangers, especially during periods of significant precipitation and temperatures above freezing. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for both safety and policy-making in Switzerland’s winter sports sectors.

In summary, climate change is set to affect avalanche patterns in Switzerland by 2100, with fewer overall avalanches expected but an increased risk of wet snow avalanches. Rising temperatures, specifically a projected increase of five degrees Celsius, will lead to the decline of dry snow avalanches and alter where avalanches can occur. The implications of this research are significant, offering valuable insights for safety protocols in ski resorts and informing future preparedness for extreme snowy conditions.

Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch