This is a cache placed at the end of a path that takes you to the top of the avalanche defences and is a short but strenuous walk along a well laid gravel path. The path stops at the base of the cliffs The views from the top are magnificent
Avalanche Defence
Snow avalanches and landslides have killed 196 persons in Iceland since the beginning of the 20th century, 169 have been killed by snow avalanches alone. Many of these avalanches and landslides have fallen on coastal villages that are located below steep slopes in narrow fjords. After 34 perople were killed by snow avalanches that hit the villages Suoavik and Flateyri in the Westfjords in NW Iceland in 1995 the Icelandic government decided to make a systematic risk assessment for settled areas in the country and a plan was drawn up to construct avalanche protection measures for endangered areas. The purpose of protection measures against snow avalanches and landslides is to ensure people´s safety in endangered areas.
The construction of avalanche deflecting dams below Buoargil was completed in 2010. The purpose of the dams and the excavated trough is to deflect snow avalanches, slushflows, debris flows and water floods and guide them through an opening in the inhabited area to the sea. A 300 meter long dam was constructed south of Buoargil and 50 meter dam north of the flood path near the settlement. The excavation area between the dams was shaped so as to direct snow avalanches and landslides along the dams. The protection measures provide safety for 53 buildings.
Landscaping, revegetation, planting of trees and construction of walking paths have been utilised to compensate for the environmental impact of the dams. The recreation areas that are created by this landscaping provide new opportunities for outdoor activities in the mountainside above Bildudalur. The walking path along the dam crown provides a good trail from the town to the mountain with an excellent view over the fjord.