Lawinenschutz#

Avalanche Protection, in Austria governed by the avalanche decree of the Federal Ministry of Transport since 1996. Avalanche protection zone plans provide for permanent protective devices which are a prerequisite for granting licences for transport facilities such as T-bar and chair lifts and the like. In addition, explosives are transported by cableway into the upper reaches of the avalanche zones and ignited to avoid the accumulation of avalanches.

Safety in populated areas falls within the responsibility of the municipal authorities. Communal and regional authorities rely on avalanche protection zone plans and safety measures provided by the Division of Torrent and Avalanche Control. The avalanche protection zone plans show the area and the extent of danger zones; expert reports are drawn up according to forestry law. Protective measures are planned and implemented by the Division of Torrent and Avalanche Control, which is subordinate to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

Literature#