Large ice avalanche from Mönch

Overview: Mönch south flank (upper left), hanging glacier (centre left) and ice avalanche (centre to lower right) as seen from Jungfraujoch (Sphinx). Note route towards Mönchsjochhütte (SAC). The large ice block on the lower right is also shown in the next photo.

Largest block of this ice avalanche: height 10 metres, width 15 metres; estimated volume 1000 cubic metres. Ice debris on top of the block shows that it did not rotate during sliding. Firn stratigraphy is visible in the block (photo Peter Müller).

Lowermost end of avalanche deposit, looking towards Konkordiaplatz. The largest ice block is at the lower right end of the deposit; the people in the background are on the route towards Mönchsjochhütte (SAC).

Large parts of the avalanche descended as relatively compact masses of ice debris and left remarkable tracks. The people on the tracks return from approaching the hanging glacier and are obviously unaware of the danger of further avalanches.

Details of the tracks in the orographic right part of the ice avalanche.

Aerial photo from the south (see also next photo). This view is also available as a 3D photo.

On the lower left, in front of the ice avalanche deposit: looped dog-sledge track, skilift, huts.

Map of the avalanche deposit; details in: Download.