The Thurwieser rock avalanche (Italian Alps): Description and dynamic analysis

Results obtained with two rheological hypotheses (Frictional and Voellmy) are compared and discussed. In particular, it emerges that 1) the use of a Voellmy rheology with a reduced friction angle on the glacier is necessary to reproduce the dynamics of the Thurwieser event, and 2) a lack in knowledge of geometrical and geomechanical information may lead to wrong interpretations of the event and inaccurate calibration of numerical models.