Year of publication 1985

"The damage caused by avalanches can be summarized as follows: the dislodgement of stones and soil; damage to pastures and forests, to buildings and communication routes, and finally danger to mankind and to animals." This sentence, written about a century ago by one of the pioneers in the subject matter, Coaz, is still valid. The fundamental causes of this damage must be sought in topographical and climatic conditions. It is clear that illegal deforestation at the upper forest limit and uncontrolled grazing (in so far as Crazing damages the forest) have also contributed to increasing the danger. A more recent factor is the advent of mass tourism which is at the root of the often undisciplined development of buildings and sport complexes in avalancheswept areas. The aim of this manual, which is primarily addressed to those actively engaged in forestry, is to offer these people a choice of practical measures which can be taken. One chapter is dedicated to temporary measures which can be taken before a permanent solution is found. Naturally all solutions must be carefully considered for each particular case. Only the best and cheapest method will be used, although generally this will consist of a combination of various techniques.