However early reports indicate record levels of damages. It is known that in addition to Switzerland forests in France, Germany and Belgium sustained considerable damage. Unfortunately many mountain forests, which were destroyed, were planted and managed specifically for avalanche control. These forests on steep slopes and thin soils will take decades to re-establish. Already avalanches have occurred from the heavy snows at altitude and the loss of these protective forests could aggravate the hazardous situation.
All forests have a protective watershed protection function too.
However the ability of mountain forests to absorb and regulate water flow can be disrupted by the windblow, potentially leading to rapid water runoff. Wildlife habitat has been ravaged in certain areas and wildlife biologists will be assessing the impacts and damages to populations of birds and animals. Current forest management practices prescribe leaving some quantities of dead trees in harvested sites. These trees are nesting sites for birds and animals as well as important sources of biodiversity. However the vast quantities of dead and dying trees could have negative consequences.