State Department warns of avalanche danger in Switzerland, Austria, France
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The State Department on Friday issued a warning about “significantly increased avalanche danger” in parts of Switzerland, Austria and France, telling Americans abroad to monitor local avalanche forecasts.
The warning comes after dozens of people have died in avalanches across Europe this season.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned, “Authorities reported that the avalanche danger has increased significantly in some parts of Switzerland, Austria and France.” he wrote. “Monitor conditions via the European Avalanche Warning Service: https://avalanches.org“
An alert from the US embassy in Austria said Austrian officials reported that “avalanche danger has increased significantly in Alpine regions”, with parts of Tyrol and Vorarlberg at Danger Level 4 and other Alpine regions at Danger Level 3, which is also “significant”.
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The State Department on Friday issued a warning about “significantly increased avalanche danger” in parts of Switzerland, Austria and France, telling Americans abroad to monitor local avalanche forecasts. (Getty)
“At Hazard Level 4, avalanches can be triggered very easily and large to very large natural avalanches can be expected,” the embassy wrote. “Exposed access routes may be at risk. Conditions for snow sports outside marked and open trails are extremely dangerous. Local authorities may close certain areas and prohibit access as a precaution.”
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Americans in these areas should monitor avalanche forecasts, listen to local authorities, avoid backcountry activities and stay on marked trails, the embassy said.
A French emergency management helicopter rescues an avalanche victim in the French Alps on January 29. (Jeff Pachoud/AFP via Getty Images)
The US embassy in Switzerland also reported “significantly increased avalanche danger” with large areas in the Cantons of Valais and Graubeğen at Danger Level 4 and other mountain areas in Switzerland and Liechtenstein at Level 3.
In France, the US embassy also reported “strong or very strong avalanche risk in France’s Alpine regions bordering Italy and Switzerland, including Hautes Alpes, Isere, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie.”
A ski patrol sets out to check ski slopes and other nearby areas for hazards and avalanches after heavy snowfall in Austria. (Getty)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment.
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In the US, eight skiers also died near Lake Tahoe and one person remains missing this week in the deadliest avalanche in California history.
