Avalanche barriers on a mountain peak near St Anton in Austria. Ski tracks can be seen where skiers have traversed across R to L

• Contributor: StockShot / Alamy Stock Photo
• Image ID: DTTJPD
• File size: 34.3 MB (2.1 MB Compressed download)
• Releases: Model - no | Property - no
• Dimensions: 3000 x 4000 px | 25.4 x 33.9 cm | 10 x 13.3 inches | 300dpi
• Date taken: 3 February 2014
• Location: Arlberg Austria
• Photographer: Bridget Clyde

More information

Avalanche barriers: The main part of the avalanche barriers is based on a high tensile strength steel wire mesh, extending across the slope and reaching to the surface of the snow. The supporting effect created by the retaining surface prevents possible creeping within the snow cover and sliding of the snow cover on the terrain surface. Breaking-away of avalanches is thus prevented at the starting zone, while occurring snow movements are restricted to the extent that they remain harmless. The forces resulting from the snow pressure are absorbed by the snow nets and carried off over the swivel posts and anchor ropes into the anchor points.