Following fresh snow at altitude accompanied by strong winds 5 climbers have been killed and two are missing in the Ecrins mountain range in the French Alps. The avalanche occurred on the Dôme de neige des Ecrins (4015m) in the Hautes-Alpes department at around 3900 meters altitude. According to police sources it was a slab avalanche probably triggered by one of the climbing parties.
It is a popular route with autumn climbers due to the proximity of refuges and ease of access. Nathalie Meignan, guardian of the Promotoire refuge said the snow line started at 3200 meters on Monday dropping to 2600 meters in the morning accompanied by very strong winds. The nearby Aigle refuge said 40cm of snow had fallen on Monday adding to the 15cm on Sunday.
