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High avalanche risk hits the Alps after heavy snowfall

Avalanche warning after winter arrives

featured in News & reviews Author Robin Deering, Val d'Isere Editor Updated

Today, Wednesday 7th December, is set to be the highest risk affecting all Haute-Savoie, Savoie and Isere regions.
The forecast is for more snow with up to 60 cm on higher slopes and more overnight however snow should ease off tomorrow bringing the avalanche risk down slightly.

"Extreme caution is to be observed for anyone in the mountains for the next 48 hours" is the concluding statement given by Meteo France (available here).
On mid-mountain slopes the snow cover is made ​​entirely of fresh snow and on slopes above the 2500 m mark the recent snow is sitting on an old snow pack.
Avalanches of loose snow could occur spontaneously on all sides of the mountains and even at relatively low altitudes (1500 metres).
On Thursday the snowpack stability will be much better, nevertheless slab avalanches could easily be triggered and the risk will be more significant on North slopes above 2500 m.
Our avalanche bulletins will be live soon however in the meantime if you are looking for sources of news for avalanche news:
Follow AvalancheAcad on Twitter for daily updates.
Follow Henry's Avalanche Talk on Facebook for updates
For those looking to understanding & avoid avalanches then more information can be found here