The changing alpine water balance: field research in the Fundus Valley

The Fundustal valley in the Ötztal (Austria) has been a key research area for the Hydrology and Climatology Working Group for several years. The alpine environment is particularly sensitive to climate change: rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and the influence of alpine farming are altering vegetation and landscapes. These processes have a direct impact on the entire water balance and thus also on evaporation and water availability – a topic of growing importance for research and society. 

To better understand these developments, we combine modelling with field studies. For several years, we have been documenting water levels and temperatures, supplemented by energy balances and, since last summer, soil moisture. These measurement series provide valuable insights into the interactions between climate, vegetation and water. 

Our most recent mission at the end of October 2025 took us into winter conditions: from 1500 m upwards, the access road was blocked by snow, so we could only reach our measuring stations, some of which are installed at 2200 m, on foot. Nevertheless, we were able to secure all the data and prepare the equipment for the coming winter. With each measurement campaign, our data set grows, and with it the ability to record changes in the alpine water balance more precisely. 

In the long term, the results should help to improve models for future developments – and thus contribute to the sustainable management of sensitive mountain regions.