Assessment of the Perchertal avalanche in Tyrol, Austria

Abstract

The present study has been conducted to analyze the Perchertal avalanche area near Barenkopf Mountain, which has several avalanche-prone areas on its slopes, within the area of Pertisau, Tyrol, in Austria. The main focus is on identifying the characteristics of the avalanche process itself to determine the potential risk to endangered objects, which include an important road and a hotel. Another focus is to evaluate the current local hazard map. Based on the dynamic avalanche models (Samos-AT, Ramms), several important action parameters such as impact pressure, avalanche velocity, and run-out length of the Perchertal avalanche track are presented and discussed. A variety of potential avalanche scenarios are presented to construct a picture of the potential threats of this specific avalanche area. Assuming accurate simulation results, suitable technical protection measures are described and combined with a cost-benefit analysis to determine the most economically efficient alternatives.