Mountain permafrost and slope instability in the Italian Alps: The Val Pola Landslide

Abstract

Abstract In July 1987 a landslide affected the Val Pola (Central Alps, Italy) causing several casualities and severe damage. The main conditioning and triggering factors for the huge debris avalanche are described and possible mechanisms are suggested. Present‐day high‐mountain periglacial conditions (such as rock glaciers) present in the area highlight the probable role played by the presence of mountain permafrost in triggering the slope instability.