As climate change intensifies, “dry floods” (Trockene Hochwasser) are becoming more common in the Austrian Alps. 

These floods occur without the usual heavy rainfall, instead resulting from rapid snowmelt triggered by unusually high temperatures. Experts warn that the Alps are increasingly vulnerable to this form of flooding, which can wreak havoc on mountain villages.

What are “dry floods”?

Dry floods are caused by the swift melting of large snow accumulations, usually because of rising temperatures. 

As glaciers recede and snowmelt accelerates, regions can experience sudden, localised flooding. 

The melting snow flows into rivers and lakes, sometimes triggering flooding that is similar to the effects of heavy storms despite the lack of precipitation.

Impact on the Austrian Alps

In recent years, the Austrian Alps have experienced several instances of dry floods, including a major event in 2019 when Innsbruck was hit by severe flooding due to rapid snowmelt, broadcaster ORF reported. 

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In 2024, although less extreme, similar floods have been reported, affecting regions such as the Inn River. While these floods do not always lead to significant downstream impacts, they pose serious risks to areas closer to the mountains.

Glacier researcher Andrea Fischer told ORF that one of the greatest dangers of dry floods is the formation of new glacial lakes. 

Large volumes of water can become trapped beneath or within as glaciers melt. If these lakes break free suddenly, they can unleash destructive floods, carrying debris and gravel down into Alpine valleys. Although rare, such events are highly destructive and can occur with little warning, posing a major threat to villages in the area.

While dry floods pose immediate dangers, Austria’s glaciers face long-term challenges. 

READ ALSO: Is skiing still possible on Austria’s glaciers?

Glacier melt accelerates

A recent report from the Austrian Alpine Club (OeAV) revealed a concern about the acceleration of glacial retreat across Austria. The study, which monitored 93 glaciers, found that they retreated by an average of 23.9 metres (78.4 feet) in 2023, marking the third-largest glacier melt since measurements began in 1891. 

This followed a record-breaking 2022, where glaciers shrank by an average of 28.7 metres (94.2 feet).

The Pasterze glacier, Austria’s largest, shrank by a staggering 203.5 metres, while the Rettenbachferner receded by 127 metres. The report warned that if extreme warming continues at the current rate, Austria’s glacial ice could disappear within 45 years.

The Alpine Club attributed the drastic glacial decline to late climate protection measures, emphasising the urgent need for action to mitigate further damage.

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