Abstract. As a contribution to the knowledge of historical
rockslides, this research focuses on the historical reconstruction, field
mapping, and simulation of the expansion, through numerical modelling, of the
30 September 1513 Monte Crenone rock avalanche. Earth
observation in 2-D and 3-D, as well as direct in situ field mapping, allowed the detachment
zone and the perimeter and volume of the accumulation to be determined.
Thanks to the reconstruction of the post-event digital elevation model based
on historical topographic maps and the numerical modelling with the
RAMMS::DEBRISFLOW software, the dynamics and runout of the rock avalanche
were calibrated and reconstructed. The reconstruction of the runout model
allowed confirmation of the historical data concerning this event,
particularly the damming of the valley floor and the lake formation up to an
elevation of 390 m a.s.l., which generated an enormous flood by dam breaching
on 20 May 1515, known as the “Buzza di Biasca”.