Heavy snow falls on the Alps: Four departments on orange alert for snow-ice and avalanche risk

A remarkable snowstorm hits the Alps

Since the weekend, heavy snow has been covering the Northern Alps, marking the start of a “remarkable” snow event according to Météo-France. On Monday, December 23, four departments are on orange alert for snow-ice: Ain, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, and Isère. In addition to this alert, the last three departments are also affected by an increased avalanche risk, as stated in the meteorological report.

Heavy snow and potential disruptions

At higher altitudes, Météo-France forecasts snow accumulations of up to one meter above 1,800 to 2,000 meters by the end of the day, with up to 60 cm expected at 1,000 meters. At the same time, strong wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h are expected over the mountains.

Authorities are urging drivers to exercise great caution on the roads, especially those equipped with winter tires or chains. The departments of the East, Southeast, and Southwest, although on yellow alert, are also experiencing difficult conditions.

Avalanche risk and temporary closures

This snow event will also trigger “large avalanches” that could reach mountain roads and high-altitude infrastructure. As a precaution, the Mont-Blanc Tunnel was temporarily closed on Monday morning, from 6:30 am to 8:00 am, to trigger avalanches nearby.

The snow conditions are also expected to disrupt access to ski resorts. However, due to the start of the holidays, many skiers had already arrived the previous day, as stated by Anne Marty, President of Domaines Skiables de France, who is pleased that the snow “arrived just at the right time.”