Marked by a mild spell and recent snowfall at altitude, this second bridge in May should attract many mountain sports enthusiasts to the Northern Alps. The Haute-Savoie prefecture calls for vigilance in the face of the risk of avalanches.
Like an extension of the vacation. This Wednesday, May 8 will kick off a long Ascension weekend and will coincide, according to Météo France forecasts, with a rise in temperatures in the Alps. Combined with sunny conditions, this mild spell could attract people to the mountains. But also encourage the triggering of avalanches, to which the Haute-Savoie prefecture alerted this Monday.
“Great caution is recommended when going out into the mountains.“, she underlines in a press release, recalling that “the ski areas are now closed and therefore no longer secure the slopes and their surroundings“.”The risk of snow slides and falling seracs (blocks of ice) at altitude is therefore high at this time of year.“, she says, while the rain-snow limit is currently around 1800 m.
Several massifs present a risk of avalanches “brand” (level 3) according to Météo France: Chablais, Beaufortain, Haute-Tarentaise, Vanoise, Maurienne, Haute-Maurienne and Mont-Blanc. In this last sector, the authorities insist on the need to adapt the planned route to the conditions encountered .
Precautions applicable to skiers, mountaineers and spring hikers: “Snow is still abundant at altitudesupports La Chamoniarde, the risk of unscrewing is significant, as is the risk of getting lost (invisible trails and markings).“
The recommendations for use are reiterated: find out about the quality of snow and weather forecasts, equip yourself with adequate shoes and crampons suitable for snowfields, inform those around you of the planned route, leave with the appropriate equipment, in verified condition and sufficient provisions. Finally, know how to react in the event of an accident and alert 112.
Every year, avalanches kill an average of 110 people in France.
