In 1990 storm Vivian destroyed large montane and subalpine protection forests in potential avalanche starting zones. In the first decade after the storm, uncleared areas prevented avalanche release, whereas severe avalanche activity in cleared areas was observed. Down slope movement of lying stems during the first two years was considerable due to branches breaking under snow loads, but later in the first decade the subsequent movement towards the ground surface was relatively small. An experimental application of the calculated maximum snow load with a statistical return period of 30 years on lying stems showed that after 10 years the stems are stable, and are even quite resistant to further movement for up to 30 years. The increasing loss of wood strength after a decade decreases the protection capacity of uncleared parts. This capacity loss must be compensated for by the protective function of upcoming regeneration. If necessary, the partially weakened protection capacity in uncleared areas can be reinforced by installing moderate technical measures. This is an economically very favourable solution since complete clearing involves the inevitable installation of expensive avalanche supporting structures on the whole area.