PermaNET: Permafrost-related hazards and permafrost degradation report

Target groups
Scientists; specific institutions.

Area of application
The recommendations for decision makers contained at the end of each one of the four chapters are generalized to the whole alpine region but they are based on specific case studies of permafrost related natural-hazards throughout the Alps. In particular:

• for rock glaciers –> 2 in France (Laurichard and Bérard); 3 in Austria (Hinteres Lantalkar, Weissenkar, Dosen);
• for local ground movements –> 2 in France (Bouchet chairlift and Bellecombe chairlift); 4 in Italy (Rifugio Caduti dall'Adamello, Carrel Hut, Passo dei Salati Indren cable way, Belvedere glacier); 1 in Austria (Hoher Sonnblick); 1 in Switzerland (Schijen);
• for rock falls –> 2 in France (Les Drus, Aiguilles de Chamonix); 5 in Italy (Matterhorn, Punta Patrì, Pellaud, Sasso Piatto, L'Altissima); 1 in Austria (Mt. Mittlerer);
• for debris flow –> 4 France (Derochoir - Torrent des Arandellys - Les Houches, Sixt Fer à Cheval, Nant d'Armancette - Contamines Montjoie, Chauvet Lake); 5 in Italy (Tschenglser Bach catchment, Laasertal, Grodner Joch, Pellaud Basin, Dolomites); 1 in Switzerland (Ritigraben torrent catchment); 1 in in Austria (Attelkar).
  

Time frame
The report was realized during the project timeframe. It represents the state of the art, the highest level of knowledge in the field at that moment.

Keywords
Related to the type of result: recommendations; case study; state of the art; strategy.
Related to the thematic of the result: climate change; risk management/prevention; landscape management/planning; governance; natural hazards; permafrost degradation; rock glacier; rock fall; surface movements; debris flow; landslide.

Accessibility
Free access. The case studies give access to a wide range of data and photos.

Transferability and re-usability
General recommendations to reduce hazards are transferable and re-usable for all regions/areas with permafrost environment. It is in fact said that “permafrost phenomena related to natural hazards and risk management should be considered in a common way throughout the Alps”. Adaptations of measures to specific case are however needed because natural hazards related to permafrost are restricted to specific cases and these have to be studied on site and in detail before making conclusions or decisions in risk management, even if some conclusions are valid for many locations.

Sector policies addressed
Spatial development; land use planning and managing; territorial planning & infrastructure; natural risk management; socio-economic activities (tourism; ski resorts, …) in high mountain areas and also in valleys at long distance from the source area.