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Weather Warnings in the Savoie Region

Heavy & sustained snow fall days puts the region on alert

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Meribel Editor Updated

Huge snow falls have been predicted to fall this week, starting today and to continue until Sunday.

Since 'black Saturday' a few weeks ago, that saw 1000's of passengers stranded in airports and on their way to various ski resorts due to bad weather, it's no wonder that the powers that be are on high alert.

Not only is around 1.5 to 2m of snow expected in a number of resorts, but temperatures will dip significantly too, and with wind chill we could see some really low termperatures on the mountain.

The Office de Haute Montagne have released a warning to all skiers, snowboarders or anyone expecting to spend time on the mountain touring or snowshoeing, to warn of the high risks that all this additional snow (on an already unstable base layer) will bring.

Avalanche risks will be high, and current risk level today is already at 4/5.

The prefecture, emergency services, police, highways agency and communications networks are all on high alert and will be watching the forecast for the next few days very closely.

More Information & advice from the Prefecture

The Savoie Prefecture reiterates its call for the utmost caution and recommends restricting travel in the night from Wednesday to Thursday and Thursday to Friday.

Worries are that there will be further heavy snow fall the week after, and they are recommending that you either use public transport or keep chains and a shovel in your car boot if you do have to drive somewhere.

Keep an eye on the Vigilence Meteo updates. This map is updated twice a day at 6am and 4pm. It says if a danger is threatening one or several areas in the next 24 hour period.

There are different levels of vigilance, and we are on yellow at the moment, but that is likely to change.

  • Green: No particular vigilance
  • Yellow: Vigilance - Be careful ; if you practice outdoor activities or are exposed to weather risks or flooding; keep informed of developments.
  • Orange: Great vigilance - Be very careful, dangerous phenomena are expected; keep yourself informed of developments and follow the safety instructions issued by the authorities.
    • Possible consequences: Snow drops or black ice in important proportions are expected. Traffic conditions can quickly become very difficult on the whole road network, especially in sectors with forests where tree falls can increase difficulties. Risks of accidents are higher. Electricity and telephone lines can be damaged.
  • Red: Extreme vigilance - Absolute vigilance is required ; dangerous phenomena of exceptional intensity are expected; keep regularly informed of developments and always observe the safety instructions issued by the authorities.
    • Possible consequences - Very significant snowfall or freezing rain are expected, which may seriously affect human activities and economic life. The roads can quickly become impassable throughout the network. Extensive damage can affect the networks of electricity and phone for several days. Very significant interference is expected for air and rail transport.

As soon as orange & red levels are reached, the prefecture implements its plan of action (alerts to the mairies, public announcements etc). Let's hope it doesn't get to either of these levels..

Also keep an eye on road traffic or road closures here.

Avalanche Forecast