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Show This photograph was reproduced and kindly placed at our disposition by the AEBM, Association des Entrepreneurs du Barrage de Mauvoisin, ( Association of Dam Contractors of Mauvoisin). An avalanche released on a rock ridge ( about 2500 m above sea level) shoots over the rock slope of 47° average inclination into the gorge and climbs again on the opposite side ( ~ 36°) to about 2000 m ( Elevation of the structure in this picture is about 1960 m above sea level. The avalanche catastrophies of the past years have caused various devastating effects in places where, within the memory of man, no destructive avalanches have occurred [ l, 2], Repeatedly the question arises under what conditions and to what extent are the homesteads, structures, and cultures of the mountain regions imperiled and what construction measures can offer protection against the destructive effect of avalanches. As to constructions to prevent the formation of avalanches, fundamental work has been carried out in Switzerland [ 3 to 8] ; it is however, practically impossible to obstruct all possible destructive avalanche catchment basins within a reasonable time and it remains necessary to protect certain buildings directly by means of structures or to construct new buildings ( for example power stations) in such a way that they withstand the action of avalanches. 4 ^ |