Global warning reduces the consequences of slushflows

Abstract

Most recentpublicationson natural hazards, if they mention slushflows at all, state that their impact onmankind will increase. However, milder weather, shorter winters, less snow and rise of the snowline will mainly shift the potential problemof slushflows (as well as avalanches)away from populated areas.As the frequency and intensity of debris flows and other types of rapid massmovement in steep terrain will increase, there will hardly be any migration into their hazard zones. Consequently, global warming reduces the impactof slushflows and avalanches