The ongoing weather conditions highlight the impact of winter storms on transportation and infrastructure in mountainous regions, emphasizing the need for preparedness during peak snowfall periods.
The situation underscores the balance between enjoying winter sports and ensuring safety in avalanche-prone areas, particularly during holiday seasons when ski resorts see increased traffic.
As the weather stabilizes, the avalanche risk is expected to decrease significantly, but continued monitoring will be essential in the coming days as temperatures fluctuate.
With the holiday season in full swing, ski resorts may see an influx of visitors, which could lead to increased traffic and potential safety concerns if conditions remain unstable.
Four departments in the south-east of France, including Ain, Isère, Haute-Savoie, and Savoie, are under an orange alert for snow and ice until 9 AM on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, as reported by Météo France. The alert has been in effect since the weekend due to a significant snowfall episode that began on Sunday morning, causing road slowdowns, accidents, and power outages. Despite these disruptions, the heavy snowfall has benefitted ski resorts during the holiday season.
The snowfall has been remarkable, with accumulations exceeding 10 cm at altitudes of 600 to 700 meters, and up to 1 meter in high mountain areas. Météo France noted that the snowpack is unstable, leading to a high avalanche risk in regions such as Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and Isère. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and use winter tires or chains when traveling in affected areas.
As of Tuesday morning, the snowfall has diminished, but refreezing is significant in certain valleys. The avalanche risk is expected to decrease throughout the day, although large-scale avalanches cannot be ruled out in areas with heavy snow accumulation. The public is urged to remain vigilant, especially in avalanche-prone zones.
