Avalanche Risk: Savoie Remains on High Alert This Friday

Despite a relative lull, the risk is far from over. Météo-France has once again placed the Savoie department under orange alert for avalanche risk this Friday, April 18, due to an unstable snowpack made worse by a sudden rise in temperatures. Heavy snowfall between Wednesday and Thursday across the Alpine region—particularly in Haute-Maurienne, Haute-Tarentaise, and Vanoise—has significantly increased the danger.

“This recent snow will quickly become wetter with the return of sunshine and rising temperatures,” warned the national weather agency, noting that large avalanches remain possible throughout the day, even though avalanche activity is expected to be lower than on Thursday.

A Context Already Marked by Accidents

On Thursday, Savoie had already been placed under orange alert. Four avalanches were reported in a single day, according to local authorities. In one incident in Val Thorens, a person was buried under snow and found in cardiac arrest before being rushed to the hospital.

Authorities Urge Caution

The High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) in Savoie is urging extreme caution. Commander Corentin Hassmann told franceinfo that “the returning sun will tempt people to head outside, but it will also warm and weigh down the snow, increasing the likelihood of further natural slides.”

He advises staying within marked, secure areas and heeding official safety warnings, as the avalanche risk remains high across all altitudes—a rare phenomenon for this time of year.

Neighboring departments, including Haute-Savoie, Isère, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, are also under yellow alert for similar avalanche risks this Friday.