Development of guidelines for monitoring snow-ice fed mountain streams. The IdroStelvio network (Stelvio National Park, Italy)

We present the main outcomes of the IdroStelvio project, continuous (2010-present) monitoring initiative developed through cooperation between the Stelvio National Park Authority, the University of Milano, and Politecnico di Milano. The project established and maintained a hydrometric network monitoring 11 high-altitude streams predominantly fed by snow and ice meltwater. The monitoring system, covering approximately 32% of the park's area, and more than 90% of glacierized catchments therein, provides a comprehensive view of the hydrological dynamics of this sensitive Alpine region. IdroStelvio represents one of the most extensive and long-standing case studies of hydrological monitoring in glacierized environments, both in Italy and internationally. Beyond reporting the structure, evolution, and scientific outputs of the network, this paper distills the operational experience gained into a set of practical guidelines for the monitoring of snow-ice fed mountain streams. These guidelines address site selection, sensor configuration, maintenance protocols, and data validation strategies, aiming to support the replicability of similar systems in other high-altitude regions. The collected data are valuable for glacio-hydrological modeling, scenario analysis, and water resource planning under climate change. The IdroStelvio experience may serve as a reference framework for future monitoring initiatives in sensitive alpine environments.