Galtür: The Perfect Storm

In February 1999, Kaltur was struck by a devastating avalanche, the worst in 40 years, killing 31 people. The avalanche was caused by a combination of weather conditions, including a weak melt crust formed by mild weather in January and heavy snowfall from Atlantic and Arctic air masses. The avalanche doubled in volume as it descended, carrying 300,000 tons of snow at 300 km/h. This event highlights the power of weather and the rare convergence of conditions that can lead to such disasters.

What made the avalanche on February 23rd, 1999, different from previous ones in Galtur?

• It reached the village, unlike previous avalanches.

• It was the first avalanche in the area.

• It occurred in the summer.

• It was caused by an earthquake.

What was the effect of the mild weather in January 1999 on the snow?

• It turned the snow into ice.

• It made the snow disappear completely.

• It created a weak melt crust on the snow.

• It caused the snow to become more compact.

How does the Atlantic Ocean influence the weather in the Alps?

• It causes the temperature to rise.

• It provides humidity that leads to precipitation.

• It brings dry air to the region.

• It blocks storms from reaching the Alps.

What was the result of the meeting of air masses at the North of the Alps?

• A drought in the region.

• The formation of a heatwave.

• A decrease in snowfall.

• Heavy and dry snowfall.

How much snow was the avalanche carrying when it reached the village?

• 300,000 tons

• 200,000 tons

• 400,000 tons

• 100,000 tons