Dams have been built in the foothills of the Alps to collect the water produced by the melting snow. The dams supply a regular source of water to the irrigation areas downstream and also supply electricity . The building of dams changes the landscape, as some areas are flooded and stream flow is altered. Some rivers in the High Country are almost untouched by humans. To protect the unique environment, much of the snow country has been set aside as national park areas.
People can visit the parks to enjoy camping, bush-walking and skiing.
Years of European-style land use has meant that the High Country now faces severe environmental problems. One of the major problems is soil erosion. This is caused by excessive run-off in areas where there is no plant cover and bare soil is exposed. Water is evaporated by the sun. It rises into the air as water vapour and forms clouds.