Avalanche Risk in the Alps

12th December 2023

Parts of the NW Alps are seeing heavy snow, torrential rain and high winds as the latest storm hits. There is a high risk of avalanche in places. NEW

It is one of the most potent and variable of the recent early winter storms as the ski season gets underway.

The temperatures have shot up with heavy rain making wet snow slab avalanches a threat.

There have been a handful of incidents in France of ski tourers being caught in avalanches.

No-one was seriously injured.

The risk is at Level 3 in many places over 2,000m.

In Tignes in France the risk was “High” (Level 4) on Monday morning with many lifts shut due the risk of wet snow slab avalanches.

“There was heavy snow overnight, and then rain this morning,” said PlanetSKI reader Adrian Lamb who is in Tignes.

“Avalanche risk is 4 with much blasting going on.”

Extreme caution is urged for anyone going even slightly outside the marked runs.

Adrian is on a ski course with the Ski Club of Great Britain that includes off piste training and avalanche awareness.

On Tuesday the risk level in Tignes dropped to Level 3, meaning there is “considerable” risk.

It has stayed at Level 3 on Wednesday.

Tignes, France. Image c/o Adrian Lamb.

Over in Switzerland it remains at a “high” risk in many places – Level 4.

Avalanche danger in Switzerland. Image c/o Swiss Avalanche Institute.

In Switzerland 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 inches) of rain is expected in lower regions.

There is a widespread risk of flooding on the northern slopes of the Alps, around Lake Geneva, and in the Jura mountains.

Landslides are possible on unstable slopes.

Every skier or snowboarder that heads off piste should take all the basic safety equipment:

Transceiver
Shovel
Probe

And know how to use them.

If you want to find out more about off piste safety and avalanche awareness then the Ski Club of Great Britain runs some course/holidays that take in the issues: see here for more.