Particle.news
Download on the App Store
23 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Historic Alpine Snowstorm Triggers Avalanches, Fatalities, and Widespread Disruptions

Unprecedented snowfall in the French Alps has caused one death, three fatalities in Italy, and ongoing avalanche risks, with authorities urging caution as conditions stabilize.

Les images des énormes chutes de neige qui ont frappé les Alpes
Savoie: La victime en arrêt respiratoire après une coulée de neige est décédée
Val d’Isère (Haute-Tarentaise), ce jeudi 17 avril. D’importantes chutes de neige sont en cours sur les massifs alpins, avec des difficultés de circulation en Savoie, où de nombreuses stations sont toujours ouvertes.
À la suite d’importantes chutes de neige, la Savoie reste en vigilance orange avalanche ce vendredi 18 avril 2025.

Overview

  • A record-setting spring snowstorm brought over 1.20 meters of snow to parts of the French Alps, disrupting power, transport, and tourism.
  • The Savoie department remains under an orange avalanche alert, with risks diminishing but large avalanches still possible into Friday evening.
  • A 27-year-old man died after being buried in an avalanche at Val Thorens, while three flood-related deaths were reported in northern Italy.
  • Approximately 800 homes in Savoie are still without power, with roads and rail services selectively resuming after closures on Thursday.
  • The extreme snowfall, attributed to a 'retour d’est' weather pattern, has been described by meteorologists as the largest April snow event ever recorded in the region.