High alpine geotechnical real time monitoring and early warning at a large imminent rock slope failure (Hochvogel, GER/AUT)

Monitoring and early warning systems based on process dynamics gain importance to cope with an increasing number of alpine hazards. The imminent Hochvogel rock slope failure (up to ca. 260,000 m3) is paradigmatic of natural carbonate slope failure dynamics and a benchmark site for developing an effective monitoring and early warning system. The analysis of process dynamics shows constant movement rates (12 mm/a) over the last 3 years but also a response of specific cracks to heavy precipitation events resulting in factor 5 higher movement rates during wet periods. Here, we show valuable lessons learnt during the development of a reliable monitoring system under challenging environmental conditions. The insights into pre-failure slope dynamics acquired at the Hochvogel will help to detect precursors of a final failure and to warn early.