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Helicopters Evacuate Isère Hamlet as Record Alpine Snow Keeps Avalanche Risk High

A short sunny break leaves a fragile, layered snowpack that remains prone to dangerous releases.

Overview

  • Around 60 people from the Rivier d’Allemont hamlet in Isère were airlifted on Sunday after a massive avalanche severed the only access road, burying vehicles but causing no injuries.
  • Authorities say full clearance of the road will take about one to two weeks, with dozens of residents opting to remain in place and receive aerial resupply.
  • Météo France reports exceptional snow depths, including about 2.95 meters at Bonneval-sur-Arc, with parts of Haute-Savoie seeing their deepest cover since 1999.
  • Avalanche danger remains marked to very high across several massifs despite clearer weather, and ANENA warns that lower risk ratings do not justify lowering vigilance.
  • This winter’s avalanche toll has reached 28 deaths, and officials have imposed targeted restrictions such as La Clusaz’s temporary off‑piste ban, with forecasts pointing to warming and a possible new deterioration around February 26.