Northern Alpes on alert as avalanche risk hikes up

A strong weather-front moved in during the early hours of the morning and heavy snow has been persistent ever since, the rain/snow level is down to 1000 metres and expected snowfall at 200 metres is nearing on 80cm.

As the weather front progresses strong winds at altitude are expected overnight with more snowfall which will put the avalanche risk up to it's maximum. The snow level will drop to 600 metres and the snowfall will gradually lighten off during the course of the day.

In Les Arcs preventative avalanche blasting will take place tonight which will result in the road being closed off between Arc 1800 and Arc 2000. The avalanche will be blasted at 18:00 and the roads should be cleared later on.

An avalanche has also been reported to have descended down to road level in La Daille in Val d'Isere - no victims were caught. The roads between Fornet and Richardes, between la Daille and Val d'ISere and from Châtelard to Joseray are closed to all pedestrians.