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And with the snow... first avalanche fatalities for France

And with the snow... first avalanche fatalities for France

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Started by Admin in Avalanche Safety - 2 Replies

J2Ski

Admin posted Jan-2016

Pistehors reports that two climbers were killed in an avalanche above Argentiere yesterday (3rd January).

Pistehors wrote:The avalanche risk was 3 (Considerable localized danger) today with around 30cm of new snow, accompanied by strong winds, on a fragile base. It is the first fatal avalanche incident of the season in France.

The two victims were part of a group of three experienced climbers who were on the Petite Aiguille Verte route when they triggered a slab avalanche. In the fall one member of the group was carried to the bottom of a couloir and died of her injuries. The remaining two climbers were able to arrest their fall but one of the pair sustained fatal injuries during the slide.

http://pistehors.com/two-killed-by-chamonix-avalanche-24197244.htm

Stay Safe
Conservative route choices definitely the order of the day for the next week or so; and absolutely, definitely seek local advice if going off-piste.
The Admin Man

Andyoneil
reply to 'And with the snow... first avalanche fatalities for France'
posted Jan-2016

Very sad news

I'd echo what Adders says though - stay safe and take no risks. The mountains will be there tomorrow/next week/next year.....

Ranchero_1979
reply to 'And with the snow... first avalanche fatalities for France'
posted Jan-2016

Climbed Chevallier Couloir on 29th and topped out on PAV, brilliant conditions when stable. All the couloirs NE slopes leading up there are 40-50 deg (assumption they were on one of them) so perfect for holding snow. Must have been tough going before the incident. For sure they won't be the last to get caught out this week, stay safe.

Topic last updated on 04-January-2016 at 15:07