Massive Threat of Over 400,000 Cubic Metres of Rock Collapsing into the Valley
Rocky Terrain Watch: The Unnerving Scenario at the Hochvogel in Allgäu
By: Dirk Walter
Gotta Watch Those Peaks
That towering rock formation west of Oberstdorf, the 2,592-meter-high Hochvogel on the Bavarian-Tyrolean border, is causing quite a stir among scientists. You see, there's a potentially dangerous landslide situation brewing up there. This mount hasn't rested easy since 2014 thanks to a plethora of fissures and cracks.
A research team led by Prof. Michael Krautblatter from TU Munich has been monitoring the Hochvogel closely, installing sensors and cameras after its unstable state became a grave concern. Previous rockslides have buried the ground below, closed trails, and put adventurers in harm's way.
A Calculated Gamble
Originally, geologists estimated that about 260,000 cubic meters of rock would tumble down the slope into the valley. That figure is outdated but still frequently mentioned by media, but the new assessment points to a whopping 400,000 cubic meters that might plunge southwards. Think of it this way - this would be around a tenth to a twentieth of the mass that buried the Swiss village of Blatten. Those numbers are certainly eye-catching, piquing the public's interest.
Water collecting in fissures acts like fuel, causing the slope to continue eroding, especially after frost. A crack near the summit cross, which widened last summer, is particularly concerning. The fear is that a partial collapse could occur at any moment, turning the Hochvogel into a disaster zone.
Control Is an Illusion
Unfortunately, a precise prediction isn't possible. The researcher thinks that in the days leading up to a landslide, the cracks would rapidly expand, possibly several centimeters per day. At that point, he would receive an alarm on his phone and swiftly alert the authorities and the surrounding communities of Hindelang in the Allgäu and Hinterhornbach in Tyrol. Despite the increased mass, no residential area will be affected, according to Krautblatter, but blocked wild streams would require rapid clearing to prevent flooding.
Other Regions Under Scrutiny
The Hochvogel isn't the only unstable mountain under observation. Let's not forget about the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district. A laser was recently installed at the Ferchenbach above the Partnach Gorge to monitor potential landslides that might block the stream and lead to a surge wave. Meanwhile, the Höllentalklamm has been closely monitored since 2016 due to acute rockfall danger. Two sections of the path have been closed, and hikers have been re-routed through mountain tunnels.
The TU chair isn't clocking off just yet, either. In 2015, a large landslide occurred at the Hechendorfer Berg near Grafenaschau, burying forest roads, uprooting trees, and spreading debris over an area of 60 hectares. Since then, the slope has remained active, with an annual drone measurement for monitoring purposes.
Hochvogel – A Test of Time
Over the years, Krautblatter's field of research has gained momentum, likely due to widespread reporting on deadly rockslides, like the one in 2022 at the Marmolada in Italy's Trentino that claimed the lives of eleven mountaineers, or the recent event in Switzerland. When he started, the chair had merely two employees, but growing interest has expanded its ranks to 20 members. This month, an expedition is planned to install additional measuring instruments on the Hochvogel.
- Footnote: Rockfalls and landslides are significant threats in mountainous regions, particularly with environmental changes such as increased permafrost melting and shifting biodiversity patterns. Monitoring systems, public education, and safety measures are essential for minimizing risks associated with these hazards.
- On the Horizon:
- Throwback to the Past
- A struggle for a worthy successor: A doctor in Bavaria is on the hunt for a suitable replacement.
- Captivating Visuals
- Stunning thunderstorms across Bavaria: A dazzling lightning show casts shadows on the landscape.
- Weather Dynamics
- Severe storms on the rise: Attention turns to the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in Bavaria.
- Unheralded Hidden Gems
- Hidden treasures waiting to be discovered: Explore two lesser-known attractions across Bavaria that are definitely worth a visit.
- In Case You Missed It: Hochvogel's restless history, the researchers' relentless efforts, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of a landslide have gained global attention. Krautblatter's team continues their tireless monitoring, focused on optimizing early warning systems, ensuring public safety, and supporting conservation efforts to preserve the mountain's unique environment.
- The current concern regarding the Hochvogel in Allgäu extends beyond geological science, as health-and-wellness enthusiasts may also be affected due to potential trail closures and the ensuing environmental impacts, such as flooding.
- The unstable Hochvogel shares a concern with other mountainous regions around the world, as climate change contributes to issues such as increased permafrost melting and shifting biodiversity patterns, leading to more frequent rockslides and landslides.
- In efforts to better understand and predict landslides, environmental science played a significant role in the installation of monitoring systems on the Hochvogel, aiming to minimize risks and support conservation efforts to preserve the mountain's unique environment.
