The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has issued a warning of considerable avalanche risks across five mountain areas in Sweden, namely west Härjedalsfjällen, south Jämtlandsfjällen, south Lapplandsfjällen, west Vindelfjällen, and Abisko/Riksgränsfjällen. This warning categorizes the avalanche risk as level three on a five-point scale, indicating a substantial threat to outdoor activities such as skiing and snowmobiling. The report highlights that unstable snowflake layers can trigger avalanches, particularly driven by activities in these areas.

As a result of recent snow drifts and existing snow conditions, the risk of large and unexpected avalanches is heightened, especially on the leeward sides of mountains and near steep terrain. The warning emphasizes that outdoor enthusiasts should exercise caution in these regions and avoid areas with significant build-up of snow, as previous reports already indicate multiple avalanche occurrences. For the Kebnekaisefjällen area, the avalanche danger is assessed to be moderate, suggesting that while caution is still needed, the risks may not be as severe.

The avalanche forecasting is set to remain in effect until 6:00 PM on Thursday, highlighting the urgency for outdoor sport enthusiasts to be aware of changing conditions. This warning serves as a critical reminder of the risks posed by winter sports in mountainous terrain, and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in order to prevent accidents and fatalities associated with avalanches during the season.