1. Impact of an exceptionally rapid snow melt on the deformation characteristics of a rockslide interacting with a reservoir.
- Author
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Holzmann, Michael and Perzlmaier, Sebastian
- Subjects
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SNOWMELT , *ROCK deformation , *SPRING , *COMPETENT authority , *SLABS (Structural geology) , *SUMMER - Abstract
The rockslide systems along the Gepatsch reservoir in the Kaunertal valley are among the best investigated and monitored slopes in the Alps since TIWAG began operating the Kaunertal power plant in 1964. The rockslide systems consist of several individual slabs with variable activity. Only the deformation characteristics of the Hochmais slab shows transient behaviour and depends on external influences such as reservoir operation. No effects from heavy precipitation or snowmelt on the deformation characteristics were observed prior to 2019. The large amount of precipitation accumulated as snow in the winter of 2018/2019, combined with cool spring weather and low reservoir level, resulted in an increased deformation rate of the Hochmais slab due to excessive snowmelt in June 2019. The maximum deformation rate of several mm per week was the highest activity of the Hochmais slab since the end of the first impoundment period in 1966. In response to this exceptional situation, the engineers at TIWAG, in conjunction with external experts and the competent authorities, temporarily restricted the reservoir operation. The increased rates of deformation of the Hochmais slab decreased to the expected level in the late summer of 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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