Lessons learnt from the snow emergency management of winter season 2008–2009 in Piemonte

The winter season 2008–2009 has been characterized by heavy snowfalls over the western Alps. The snowfalls have been exceptional because of their earliness, persistence, intensity and territorial spread. The impact on the regional environment and territory has been relevant, also from the economical point of view, as well as the effort of the people involved in the forecasting, prevention and fighting actions. The environmental induced effects have been shown until late spring. Several snowfall events affected also the plains and the main towns, causing social impacts. The purpose of this work is to describe the overall effects of the anomalous snowfalls and the emergency response by the local government and institutions to face the hazard scenario and mitigate the risk for people, properties and environment. Arpa Piemonte (Regional Agency for Environmental Protection) gave the technical support to the snow emergency management borrowing the expertise acquired during the heavy hydrological events occurred in the Piemonte region and contributing to minimize losses. A short list of recommendations came out from the experience, as well as the technical tools and products, all highlighting the emergency preparedness relevance.