Another winter storm has triggered widespread avalanche alerts across the Northern Alps and the Pyrenees, with authorities warning of dangerous conditions in the mountains. Avalanche risk has been rated at Level 4 (high) across most of the Northern Alps, the Hautes-Alpes range, and the Pyrenees, as heavy snowfall and strong winds intensify instability across the region.
Forecasters say the snowline is expected to fall from 1500 meters to around 900 meters by the end of the storm, bringing wintry conditions to lower elevations.
Northern Alps Under Orange Alert
An orange avalanche alert has been issued across the Northern Alps, with experts describing Monday’s expected avalanche activity as “remarkable.” Although the episode had not yet begun at the time of the latest bulletin, significant snowfall is forecast overnight Sunday into Monday.
Between 50 and 70 centimeters of fresh snow is expected above 1,500 meters, with localized totals reaching up to 90 centimeters. The heavy snowfall, combined with strong winds, is expected to trigger intense avalanche activity throughout Monday.
Authorities warn that avalanches could reach mountain roads and high-altitude infrastructure, even extending into mid-mountain areas.
Haute Tarentaise: Storm Conditions and Very High Risk
In the Haute Tarentaise region, forecasters are warning of a mountain storm bringing numerous avalanches, some potentially large enough to threaten exposed infrastructure.
The avalanche risk is rated “High” (Level 4 on the European scale), with increasing spontaneous releases expected as the storm progresses. By mid-morning Monday, large and above 1,800 meters, possibly very large avalanches could occur, particularly on broad slopes sheltered from west to northwest winds.
These avalanches may travel rapidly over long vertical distances, in some cases reaching valley floors, roads, and mountain facilities.
The risk of human-triggered avalanches is described as “maximum accidental risk,” with thick, highly reactive slabs present across all aspects. Instability is widespread, and skiers and mountaineers are strongly advised to avoid backcountry terrain.
An orange vigilance alert for avalanches remains in effect across the massif through Monday evening, February 16.
Pyrenees: Rare and Significant Avalanche Episode
An orange avalanche alert has also been issued in the Pyrenees, where forecasters say the expected avalanche activity from late Sunday through Monday typically occurs only every two to three years.
In the Ariège sector, cold and windy snowfall from February 12 to 14 has already deposited substantial accumulations: 30 to 50 centimeters at 1,500 meters and 40 to 80 centimeters at 2,000 meters. Avalanche risk is rated Level 4 (high) across all massifs in the area.
A new active weather system is now approaching the Pyrenees, bringing further precipitation and a gradual rise in the rain-snow line from 1,500 meters to 2,000 meters beginning Sunday evening. This shift is expected to trigger significant wet-snow avalanche activity between 1,200 and 2,000 meters.
Wet snow slides and avalanches in typical gullies could reach mountain roads.
At higher altitudes, continued snowfall combined with wind-driven accumulations will significantly increase snow totals. Large powder avalanches are expected as the storm continues, with some potentially impacting mountain infrastructure.
Authorities Urge Extreme Caution
With widespread instability, heavy snowfall, and fluctuating temperatures, mountain professionals are urging extreme caution. Both spontaneous and human-triggered avalanches are likely, and conditions are considered particularly dangerous for backcountry travel.
Officials advise avoiding off-piste terrain and remaining alert to potential road closures and infrastructure disruptions as the storm system moves through the region.