Hochvogel mountain faces massive rockslide risk

Scientists are warning of a massive potential rockslide on Mount Hochvogel, located in the Allgäu Alps on the border between Germany and Austria. Researchers estimate that between 250,000 and 400,000 cubic meters of rock could collapse down the slope.

A fissure that has existed since the 19th century is widening significantly. While it was once only as wide as a human's shoulders, it has grown to several meters wide. Experts from the Technical University of Munich described the main crack as being up to six meters wide, 35 meters long, and 60 meters deep. A new critical weak point, designated as ‘Fissure 6’ on the southwest ridge, has also been identified.

Monitoring equipment, including over 30 sensors and laser-scanning drones, has recorded rock movements of up to five millimeters per week this spring. This rate is exceptionally high compared to the average Alpine movement of 1.8 millimeters per year. Due to the heightened risk, access to the mountain from the Austrian side has been closed to climbers, though the ascent remains open from the German side.