European Avalanche Institutes Urge to Exercise Restraint Post Snowstorm

The European Avalanche Warning Services (EAWS) has issued a stark warning for winter sports enthusiasts on Wednesday, January 29, following significant snowfall in the Alps. Up to 1 meter (3 feet) of snow has accumulated on the south side of the Alps since Sunday, January 26, creating hazardous conditions for off-piste skiing and snowboarding.

“On this first sunny day, restraint is appropriate,” the EAWS cautioned, emphasizing the delicate nature of the current snowpack. The agency warns that individual skiers and snowboarders can easily trigger avalanches, including large ones, particularly on steep west-, north-, and east-facing slopes above the treeline, as well as on shaded slopes near the forest boundary. These danger zones are often snow-covered and difficult to identify, even for experienced individuals.

Over a wide area in the European Alps, 30-50 centimeters (12-20 inches) of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. As a consequence of a strong to storm-force wind from southwesterly directions, deep wind slabs have formed. These deep wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack, particularly on west- to north- to east-facing aspects. They are covered with new snow and therefore barely recognizable. The old snowpack will be moist at low and intermediate altitudes. Above the tree line, snow depths vary greatly, depending on the influence of the wind.

The EAWS warns that signs of instability, such as cracking sounds or fresh avalanche activity, should be taken seriously. Remote avalanche triggering is also a concern, further heightening the risk.

In addition to dry slab avalanches, medium-sized sliding snow avalanches are possible. As temperatures rise and solar radiation increases, small to medium-sized loose snow avalanches may also occur.

The EAWS advises anyone venturing into the mountains to exercise extreme caution. “A lot of experience in assessing avalanche risk and great restraint are important,” the agency stressed.

Authorities urge skiers and snowboarders to stay on secured slopes and monitor official avalanche bulletins before heading into the mountains.