Authorities have issued an orange avalanche alert for five mountain ranges in the Southern Alps, warning of a high risk of avalanches due to the unstable snowpack amid a sudden change in conditions. The alert, in effect from 23rd January, applies to the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, with the avalanche risk level set at four out of five on the European avalanche danger scale.
In recent days, heavy snow has fallen on the Southern Alps. While this may be a boon for skiers and snowboarders heading to the region’s resorts for winter sports activities, the sudden change in conditions represents a significant risk to public safety.
The recent snowstorms have left the snowpack highly unstable, increasing the likelihood of avalanches. The affected massifs include Champsaur, Pelvoux, Embrunnais Parpaillon, Ubaye and Haut-Verdon. Météo France has warned that avalanches could occur spontaneously on slopes in these areas, with additional risks posed by skiers, snowboarders, or hikers venturing into non-pisted zones.
The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Prefecture has strongly advised against ski touring and off-piste skiing, citing a Level 4 risk on the European avalanche danger scale. These activities not only endanger participants, but also place rescuers at significant risk should accidents occur, say the authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, the Prefecture underscored the seriousness of the situation, noting, “The Haut-Verdon and Ubaye massifs are under orange avalanche alert. We urge the public to avoid skiing or off-piste hiking for their safety and that of emergency responders.”
The high avalanche risk serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in mountainous regions during winter. Skiers and hikers are strongly advised to monitor updates from local authorities and Météo France, and to prioritise safety above all else while enjoying the ski season.
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