Abstract
Abstract. The winter season 2008–2009 has been characterized by heavy snowfalls over the western Alps. The snowfalls have been exceptional because of their earliness, persistence, intensity and territorial spread. The impact on the regional environment and territory has been relevant, also from the economical point of view, as well as the effort of the people involved in the forecasting, prevention and fighting actions. The environmental induced effects have been shown until late spring. Several snowfall events affected also the plains and the main towns, causing social impacts. The purpose of this work is to describe the overall effects of the anomalous snowfalls and the emergency response by the local government and institutions to face the hazard scenario and mitigate the risk for people, properties and environment. Arpa Piemonte (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection) gave the technical support to the snow emergency management borrowing the expertise acquired during the heavy hydrological events occurred in the Piemonte region and contributing to minimize losses. A short list of recommendations came out from the experience, as well as the technical tools and products, all highlighting the emergency preparedness relevance.
Highlights
The winter season 2008–2009 has been characterized by heavy snowfalls over the western Alps
Arpa Piemonte (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection) gave the technical support to the snow emergency management borrowing the expertise acquired during the heavy hydrological events occurred in the Piemonte region and contributing to minimize losses
The main critical situations have been arisen from the snowfalls earliness in season, the several snow precipitation events over the plains, the big amount of snow accumulation on the ground, as well as the anomaly with respect to the last 30 yr climatic trend of snow conditions in the western Alps
Summary
The main critical situations have been arisen from the snowfalls earliness in season, the several snow precipitation events over the plains, the big amount of snow accumulation on the ground, as well as the anomaly with respect to the last 30 yr climatic trend of snow conditions in the western Alps. The intensity value is above the 90th percentile of the new snow measured in 24 h distribution considering only the snowy days. These results agree with the 2008–2009 winter season snow anomaly studies on the southern alpine range (e.g., Valt and Cianfarra, 2009)
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