Wallis
Huge avalanche in Nendaz: seven helicopters involved
A major search operation is underway in Nendaz on Wednesday after a snowslide nearly 400m wide.
PublishedMarch 15, 2023, 1:58 PM
A major avalanche occurred shortly before noon on Wednesday, in the region of Nendaz (VS). According to the Valais cantonal police, skiers could have been swept away. An intervention is in progress. Seven helicopters have been engaged, and avalanche dogs are also mobilized. “All we hope is that there is no one underneath. We have no concrete evidence indicating that skiers would be buried, ”says Stève Léger, spokesman for the Valais police.
The snowslide, nearly 400 meters wide according to the Cantonal Police on Rhône FM, occurred in the Mont-Gelé sector. It did not occur on a ski area.
The avalanche danger was marked on Wednesday, especially since the new snowfall and strong winds in mid-March.
SLF
Marked Danger
The last few days have been deadly in the mountains, with no less than four deaths. Two skiers lost their lives on Saturday at Scex Blanc, in the region of Bruson (VS), followed by a hiker who died on Sunday in Isenfluh, not far from Lauterbrunnen (BE). Several other skiers were temporarily buried the same day, but were able to be rescued. On Monday, a Dutchman was taken to the Nendaz estate; rescued, he died on the spot. On the same day, the heir to the wealthy family that owned the Auchan and Decathlon stores also lost his life in Savoie.
This weekend, the Valais Avalanche Accident Prevention Group called for caution, because heavy snowfall and a stormy wind caused significant snow piles.
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