Sanetschpassweg Closed Due to Rockfall

  30.10.2017 Sports & Leisure

The fact that rockslides happen repeatedly in the mountains is nothing out of the ordinary. In September 2016, the south flank of the Spitzhorn was discovered, which was due to rockfall as well. On-site inspections did not give cause for concern. Neither new, larger stones were found, nor was the hiking trail Burg-Rotengraben affected.

During one year, no further avalanches were detected in this area. Last week, however, the local authority received eyewitness notices of repeated rockfall. On Sunday, the area in question was visited by natural hazard specialist Fritz Schallenberg and fire chief Tom Schild. It was decided, due to the accumulation of debris, that the Sanetschpassweg was to be immediately closed.

District forester Arthur Haldi estimates that about 4 hectares of forest were destroyed or damaged by about 1,000 cubic meters of rockfall. Although the demolition material came relatively close to the village of Gsteig, there was no immediate danger for the villagers, according to Paul Reichenbach of the municipal administration Gsteig. The geological conditions in this region prevent rock masses from reaching the residential area if they are removed.

However, residents are requested to strictly observe the signalization and under no circumstances frequent the area.


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