Abstract ID: 3.10948 | Accepted as Talk | Poster | TBA | TBA

The increasingly severe meteorological and climatic challenges affecting our planet, especially in mountain regions, demand urgent attention. Addressing these critical issues is essential for deepening our understanding of ongoing environmental transformations. One effective approach involves continuous monitoring and observational activities, with high-altitude mountain huts and shelters playing a key role. These structures provide an invaluable resource for tracking and analyzing meteorological and climatic variations across Italy’s mountain ranges. In response, the Research Institute for Hydrogeological Protection of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR IRPI) and the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) have launched the RESALP (Resilience of Alpine Structures) project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. This initiative aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of all CAI-managed high-altitude facilities, focusing on detecting signs of structural instability in buildings and associated infrastructure, particularly those linked to geohydrological instability. A team of specialised professionals will carry out the assessment using a standardized document developed by CNR IRPI, known as the “Operative Monographies.” This method ensures consistency and comparability across all surveyed sites. A key aspect of the study will be the impact of climate change on permafrost stability, as its degradation poses a significant risk to the structural integrity of mountain refuges and bivouacs. The project will focus on CAI-managed high-altitude facilities located above 2,800 meters above sea level, including 40 bivouacs and 18 refuges. All collected data and operational monographs will be compiled into a dedicated webGIS, providing a detailed assessment of damage distribution and severity. This tool will support informed decision-making regarding potential risks and necessary interventions. Beyond its immediate practical applications, this large-scale screening initiative will also offer significant methodological and scientific advancements. The project will generate an unprecedented dataset, shedding light on the effects of climate change on mountain infrastructure. The findings will be instrumental in developing strategies to mitigate these impacts, ensuring the long-term resilience of high-altitude facilities.