Related businesses need to adapt to changing conditions. Access to higher slopes should be improved. Avalanche monitoring and warning services should be further strengthened. Tourism management strategies should be changed to promote activities other than snow-based sports. Lower number of days with snow lying but a residual risk of occasionally heavy falls of snow, particularly on higher ground.
Less snow exposes surfaces to freeze-thaw temperature fluctuations.
As reduced snow lie is likely to mean less disruption to transport, fewer resources may be required for snow clearance. There will be considerable regional variation in the reduction of risk. There will remain a requirement for the treatment of roads to reduce icing, which may include greater costs due to removal by melt water and winter rain. Environment Key Issues Reduced snow cover duration over upland areas and in isolated snow-bed environments. Greater exposure to damage by low temperatures, wind, trampling and grazing.