Heavy snowfall in the Alps has prompted warnings of the highest degree of avalanche danger, with up to two meters of additional snow expected in the coming days.
The Alps have been experiencing continuous snowfall since Tuesday, with forecasts predicting that this severe weather will persist for several more days. Due to the large accumulation of new snow, the Savoie region in the French Alps has been issued a fifth-degree avalanche warning, indicating the highest level of danger. Additionally, other parts of the French Alps and western Italy are under a fourth-degree warning, attributed to both the recent heavy snowfall and strong winds brought on by storms named Nils and Oriana.
Winds have been gusting over 100 km/h, contributing to uneven snow accumulation and increasing the risk of avalanches. Several tragic incidents have already occurred, with reports of four fatalities in the Italian Alps due to avalanche events, and additional casualties in France in recent days. The ongoing storm systems are expected to bring even more snow, with predictions indicating that Thursday alone could see as much as half a meter of new snowfall, and up to two meters by the end of next week.
As a response to the heightened avalanche risk, many ski resorts in the Alpine region are restricting or closing operations to ensure safety for visitors and residents. The continuation of large snowfall amounts combined with strong winds poses significant challenges for both the local population and the ski industry in managing the situation effectively while prioritizing safety.
