600 tourists have been evacuated from the Pyrenean Spa and Ski resort of Barèges due to the avalanche risk, locals have been advised to stay in their homes. The alert follows an avalanche that hit the village late on Saturday which buried a number of cars parked near the spa in the village center. The avalanche descended the Montagne Fleurie couloir. The village has been hit by avalanches at least four times in the previous century, the most recent in 1983. A helicopter reconnaisance has shown that the slopes above the village are heavily loaded and avalanche protection saturated. Further snowfall is expected over the next 24 hours. According to specialists the sector has not seen as much snow since the 19th century.
http://midi-pyrenees.france3.fr/2013/02/10/une-avalanche-s-est-produite-bareges-197493.html
