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Strong Avalanche Risk Hits Northern French Alps as Authorities Close Col des Montets

Fresh high‑altitude snowfall has destabilized slopes above 2,200 meters, pushing the danger to level 4 on Tuesday.

Overview

  • Official bulletins place the avalanche risk at level 4 out of 5 above 2,200 meters on the Mont‑Blanc, Aravis and Chablais massifs.
  • The Col des Montets access road was closed on Monday at 18:30, cutting routes to Vallorcine and towards Switzerland.
  • Chamonix authorities warned that preventive controlled avalanche releases could be carried out overnight into Tuesday.
  • Recent and ongoing snowfall at elevation has rapidly worsened stability, with potential for natural slides and easy skier triggering.
  • Officials urge anyone heading into the mountains to consult local professionals and town halls, avoid steep slopes, travel with partners and carry avalanche rescue equipment and charged communications.