Severe Avalanche Conditions – Risk Level 5 (Very High)
The Haute Maurienne region in the French Alps is currently experiencing extremely dangerous avalanche conditions, with the risk level reaching its maximum: Level 5 – Very High. This situation is the result of a rare and intense snowfall event driven by a powerful “retour d’Est”, bringing exceptional snow accumulations especially near the Italian border. The avalanche risk is 4/5 elsewhere in the Savoie mountain ranges.
Weather & Snow Conditions
- Heavy snowfall began Tuesday night and continues into Thursday.
- Rain-snow limit has dropped as low as 600–800m in some valleys.
- Snowfall rates up to 3–4 cm per hour, with 1.5–2.5 meters of new snow above 2500m.
- Snowpack will remain unstable through Thursday afternoon despite decreasing intensity.
Avalanche Activity
- Numerous spontaneous large and very large avalanches expected at high altitudes.
- Avalanches may reach valley floors — a rare and dangerous event.
- Critical areas include Evettes, Avérole, Ribon, and Ambin, with risk spilling toward infrastructure and alpine refuges.
- The Bessans-Bonneval sector is slightly less exposed but still vulnerable in large couloirs.
Triggered Avalanches & Safety Concerns
- High probability of human-triggered avalanches, especially above 2200m.
- Numerous reactive powder slabs present on all aspects.
- Backcountry travel is strongly discouraged due to extreme risk.
Snowpack & Snow Quality
- While mid-mountain snow remains below average, the high alpine is now near seasonal norms.
- Fresh dry snow is present above 2000m; lower elevations are seeing wet, heavy snow.
- As temperatures rise, wet snow conditions will gradually move higher in elevation.
Haute Maurienne faces a historic avalanche threat with spontaneous and human-triggered avalanches likely at all elevations above 2000m. The snowstorm has brought remarkable snow volumes, particularly along the border with Italy. Authorities have issued an Orange Avalanche Warning, and experts urge the public to avoid mountain activities until the snowpack stabilizes.
Stay informed via official avalanche bulletins and respect all local safety directives.
