3380 instead of 3399 meters high – after the massive rock fall on the southern summit of the Flüchthorn in Tyrol’s Silvretta region last Sunday, the state assessments of the size of the rock masses that fell from the mountain peak are available since Friday. The scale is much larger than originally thought.
The mega landslide broke off a total of one million cubic meters of rock last Sunday. “To put this into context, that equates to the load of about 120,000 trucks. The new southern summit of the Flughorn is now 60 feet lower and is about 100 feet northeast of its original location,” said state geologist Thomas Figl.
The data evaluated by the state of Tyrol would now serve as a basis for taking further measures to secure the hiking trails. In addition, the data will be made available to science, it said.
Data collection using laser scanning
The size of the rock fall was recorded using laser scanning: “After the event, an extensive measurement of the area was carried out on Tuesday. With a laser scanner attached to a helicopter, it was possible to collect very accurate data on the surface of the demolition area and its immediate surroundings,” explains Maria Attwenger from the state’s geo-information department.
By comparing with measurement data from 2018, the cubature could be determined. In addition, meaningful visualizations of the changes have been made.
Diversion of hiking trails is being investigated
Based on the knowledge gained, further steps can now be taken. “In cooperation with the municipality of Galtür and the Landeck district administration, we are now investigating to what extent the currently closed hiking trails in the area can be moved,” says state geologist Werner Thöny.
All collected data is also made available to science. “The measurement results provide an accurate and well-founded basis for a scientific processing of the event,” says Thöny.
Thawing permafrost as the cause
Rising permafrost may have been the cause of the massive landslide. During a reconnaissance flight, exposed pieces of ice were found. Permafrost is the ice in a rock that holds it together like glue.
Source: Krone
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