Mountain stream

Its swift flow rate often transports large quantities of rock, gravel, soil, wood or even entire logs with the stream.

The main characteristic of mountain streams in the Alpine region is their steep gradient and sharply varying rates of flow within a short period of time, as a result of snowmelt and sudden storms.

In the "catchment funnel" (Sammeltrichter) high on the mountainsides, water and eroded soil, rock and gravel are gathered.

The stream then flows at high speed through a "drainage channel" (Abflussrinne) into the "alluvial fan" where the transported debris is deposited.

Usually the regional forestry or conservation department is responsible for the management of mountain streams.