Hochvogel in the Allgäu: Is there a threat of a massive rock fall? Experts warn!

Hochvogel in the Allgäu: Is there a threat of a massive rock fall? Experts warn!

A dangerous natural phenomenon is threatening to emerge in the picturesque Alps of the Allgäu. The Hochvogel, an imposing mountain with a height of 2,592 meters, is not only a popular destination for hikers, but also a potential risk. Current monitoring shows that up to 400,000 cubic meters of rock could slide into the valley. This worrying signal was discovered by a team led by Prof. Michael Krautblatter from the Technical University of Munich, which monitors movements in the mountains using state-of-the-art sensors. [tz.de].

Particularly alarming is a crack near the summit cross, which grew even further last summer. In the last five years, this gap has increased by 30 centimeters and now measures 40 meters long, up to three meters wide and eight meters deep. Every day that we register these changes, it becomes clearer: something must be done to minimize possible risks for hikers and the surrounding area. [20min.ch]. In the event of such a sudden termination, the surrounding torrents would have to be cleared quickly to avoid flooding, as no inhabited area in the immediate vicinity would be affected.

Climate change and its effects

But what is the reason for these worrying developments? Climate change plays a crucial role here. It not only influences the stability of the high bird, but also has far-reaching effects on all mountaineering in the Alps. If the permafrost thaws, tours become riskier or even impossible. The last eight years are expected to be the warmest on record, with temperatures increasing by 1.14ºC on average between 2013 and 2022 compared to the early 1900s. alpenverein.de highlights that the Alps are warming twice as fast as the global average, thus increasing the risk of rock falls and rock falls enormously.

These reports about a changed danger situation are particularly important for mountaineers and hikers. Dealing with risks independently is essential. When planning tours, particular attention must be paid to current weather conditions, which cause additional uncertainty due to increased heavy rain and the frequency of lightning strikes. It is important to adapt to the new, more difficult conditions and identify potential dangers at an early stage.

Surveillance and prevention

In order to counter these dangers, an early warning system is being installed on the Ferchenbach above the Partnach Gorge. This is intended to help detect movement on the slope at an early stage. In addition, the monitoring measures in the Höllentalklamm have been active since 2016 and two sections of the path have already had to be closed when dangers were identified.

Anyone who dares to go on an excursion to the Hochvogel should not only pay attention to the magnificent views, but also keep a watchful eye on the changing circumstances. The mountain has many surprises in store and not all of them are pleasant. With the planned additional measuring instruments, it is hoped that we will be able to keep an even better eye on developments and perhaps even detect impending rock falls in good time and be able to react to them appropriately.