Unstable snow cover in most of the Alps and Pyrenees On Sunday, 11 January, the avalanche risk index is ‘high’ (level 4 out of 5) in most of the Alps and Pyrenees.
This means that a single skier can easily trigger avalanches involving considerable volumes of snow. Numerous avalanches have been observed since Thursday.
In the Alps, the following mountain ranges are affected: Chablais, Aravis, Mont-Blanc, Beaufortain, Haute-Tarentaise, Vanoise, Haute-Maurienne, Maurienne, Grandes-Rousses, Oisans, Thabor, Pelvoux, Champsaur, Queyras, Embrunais-Parpaillon, Devoluy, Ubaye and Haut-Verdon (excluding Haut-Var). The total amount of fresh snow since Thursday has reached one metre above 2,000 metres, especially in the Northern Alps. These snowfalls have been accompanied by strong winds throughout the region. The recent layers now lie on top of particularly fragile layers of snow, creating instability. This can lead to deep avalanches that mobilise volumes that are dangerous for skiers and snowboarders.
In the Pyrenees, the following mountain ranges are affected: Aspe-Ossau, Haute-Bigorre, Aure-Louron, Luchonnais, Couseran, Haute-Ariège, Orlu-St-Barthélémy and Capcir-Puymorens. Heavy snowfall has been occurring since Friday and has been accompanied by strong winds. This snowfall is falling on particularly fragile layers of snow, promoting instability. There are many areas prone to avalanches, and these are not limited to high mountains.
For further information, please consult the Avalanche Risk Assessment Bulletins and seek local advice from mountain professionals.
Saturday, 10 January 2026 at 4:01 p.m.