High Avalanche Danger Follows Huge Snowfalls in The Alps and Pyrenees
After three days of snowfall in the Alps and Pyrenees (with rain, sleet and gales in the mix for many areas), several resorts are claiming totals of more than 1.5 metres (five feet), and many more 50-100cm (20-40”).
After three days of snowfall in the Alps and Pyrenees (with rain, sleet and gales in the mix for many areas), several resorts are claiming totals of more than 1.5 metres (five feet), and many 50-100cm (20-40”). For quite a few areas it was the first significant snowfall since late November or early December last year.
Saint Sorlin d'Arves is the French Alps is posting the most over 72 hours, with 165cm (5.5 feet). Switzerland’s Saas-Fee say they’ve had 1.4m (just under five feet) and a number of resorts including Chamonix, Les 2 Alpes, St Gervais Les Arcs and La Thuile in Italy say they’ve had 1m or more. Ski areas in the Pyrenees have also reported up to 90cm (3 feet) of snowfall.
As a result of the combination of snow and weather factors the avalanche danger is now very high in many areas of France and Western Italy and Switzerland, among others. An off-piste ski touring avalanche fatality was reported in the Aosta Valley on Saturday
In Switzerland the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), issued the “high” danger level (level 4 out of 5) saying the highest danger is in Valais, southwestern Switzerland, and in the eastern part of the northern slopes of the Swiss Alps. Skiers are advised to avoid skiing off-piste in these areas.
