The Grand Etrèt Glacier in Valsavarenche (Italy) experiences an outstanding winter season

In late May, eleven Gran Paradiso National Park rangers, along with an operator from ARPA Valle d'Aosta, reached the Grand Etrèt Glacier to conduct the spring snow accumulation survey. This crucial assessment helps monitor the health of glaciers, which are increasingly threatened by climate change.

Thanks to heavy snowfall in mid-April, the valley remained deeply snow-covered above 2,200 meters, with accumulations reaching up to 6 meters thick in some areas. The specific snow water equivalent (SWE) of 2,203 mm was 44% higher than the 25-year average—an encouraging result, placing 2024 as the fifth-highest in the historical record.

During the survey, the ARPA operator conducted a drone flyover to compare field data with advanced photogrammetric techniques. The two methods—direct measurements and geodetic analysis—showed remarkably consistent results, with just a 5% discrepancy, proving the reliability of new technologies and paving the way for even more precise monitoring.

Attention now turns to summer: temperatures in the coming months will determine how much of this snow survives. The final assessment will come in September, when rangers return to measure ablation (ice loss).

Against the backdrop of rapid global warming, these surveys reveal how the mountain’s fragile equilibrium is evolving, providing critical data to safeguard our glacial heritage.

Info: www.pngp.it