According to the snow report issued by La Chamoniarde on Sunday 21st January 2018:
HIGH RISK OF AVALANCHE until Monday 22nd January 2018 in the evening.
The snow is generally unstable. Large spontaneous avalanches with heavy snow are likely to occur under 2000m. Up to this altitude there is a lot of snow, and huge accumulations due to the wind.
The avalanche risk is very high also and some avalanches could be big enough to reach some roads or buildings at risk.
More info via Meteo France: www.chamonix.com/bulletin-avalanche,107,fr.html
Safety measures 22 January 2018
Given the weather conditions, a number of measures are taken to ensure the safety of all. Please respect the safety measures from local authorities.
According to the municipal safety committee meeting which took place in the town hall of Chamonix, this morning 22nd January 2018: was taken the following decisions, given the snow-weather conditions (risk 5/5 maximum) and their evolution over the next 24 hours:
- Complete closure of the ski area of Chamonix for the day (excluding the Savoy beginner domain).
- Extended closure this morning of the Gaillands road to the Piralotaz bridge.
- Closure this morning of the Chemin des Biens (exit Argentière) in addition to that of the Fis decided last night, which causes a suspension of the connection to the top of the valley (Le Tour, Montroc and Planet) and maintenance of the closure of the road and tunnel towards Vallorcine.
- Reinforcement of the perimeter of application of the measures of confinement to the populations whose dwelling is located in medium risk zone - several hundred dwellings concerned between the Bossons and Le Tour.
- New reinforcement of the evacuation measures with about thirty additional dwellings concerned, located in zone of high risk.
- Strict limitation of travel, in particular those directed towards the top of the valley, with the circulations of urgency or of necessity, with filtering organized by the gendarmerie at Tines.
- Train traffic limited to Tines, taking into account the risk.
General information on travel
Even if the snow heights aren't significant down in the valley, it is completely different up in the mountains.
The risk of avalanche is high everywhere in the valley. For your saftey:
- Do not walk, snowshoe or ski or go sledging anywhere near the bottom of the slopes.
- Respect the closures and bans: pedestrian trails, ski areas (Alpine and Nordic), roads, car parks...
- Reminder: roads closed to traffic are prohibited vehicles such as pedestrians and hikers / pedestrian traffic in the tunnel tunnel is strictly prohibited.
- Don't walk near the railways!
- Limit your travel within the valley: Mandatory Equipment (snow tires or chains).
- Stay informed with alerts about weather and snow conditions.
If you are witnessing an accident, please contact the emergency number: 112.
If your accommodation is located in an exposed area, keep informed of the safety instructions related to your home building.
Be responsible and vigilant!
