In December 2015, an avalanche struck Gruvefjellet, burying homes and residents, shocking the entire town of Longyearbyen. Elevated snowfall and winds, linked to global and Arctic temperature increases, have heightened awareness of avalanche risks.
To mitigate risks and minimize evacuations, avalanche fences were erected on the western slope of Sukkertoppen Mountain, starting in 2019 and expanding in subsequent years. Additionally, sensors were deployed to enhance slope stability forecasts.
