"If you're headed to the Alps this Valentine's Day weekend, you may want to rethink those off-piste plans. Meteo France issued a Special Avalanche Statement on Friday, February 13, warning of a strong avalanche risk (4 out of 5) across the majority of the French Alps for Saturday, February 14. Level 4 is the highest rating on the European avalanche danger scale for accidental human-triggered slides."
"The culprit is a potent combo: Heavy snowfall since the evening of Tuesday, February 10 Strong winds associated with Storm Niles Significant wind loading in exposed terrain Recent snow sitting on top of weak, buried layers that have persisted for weeks That's a classic recipe for large slab avalanches. Even though the skies may clear and powder fever sets in, the snowpack hasn't had time to stabilize. Wind slabs and deep instabilities remain a serious concern."
"Extreme caution is recommended for any mountain activity outside marked and secured ski slopes. Officials urge backcountry users to consult Avalanche Risk Estimation Bulletins via the Météo-France mountain page or mobile app and to check in locally with mountain professionals before heading out. Remember: Level 4 doesn't mean "impossible." It means human-triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches remain possible."
Level-4 avalanche danger covers much of the French Alps, including Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, and the Southern Alps. Snowpack above 1,800–2,000 meters remains very unstable and can be easily triggered by skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers, potentially involving very large snow volumes. Contributing factors include heavy snowfall since February 10, strong winds from Storm Niles, significant wind loading in exposed terrain, and recent snow sitting on weak, buried layers. Wind slabs and deep instabilities persist despite potential clearing skies. Officials recommend extreme caution outside marked slopes, consulting Météo-France bulletins or apps, and checking locally with mountain professionals. Recent fatalities occurred in Val d'Isère.
Read at SnowBrains
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