After the last snowfalls in the mountains of Turin, with slopes full of tourists and enthusiasm among operators in the sector, the avalanche alarm goes off. On the ARPA risk scale which goes from 0 to 5 the degree is 4 or “strong” in all Graian Alps.
“The current avalanche situation requires experience and caution for those who want to go to the mountains these days”, warn the experts who, thanks to the beautiful sunny days, predict a massive influx of snowshoeers, simple hikers and ski mountaineering enthusiasts for the next few days. Therefore, medium and large natural avalanches are possibleespecially on shaded and steep slopes where a layer of new snow has deposited on the old one.
First interventions on Jafferau and Montgenevre
The first avalanche warning in the Turin area was triggered on Thursday afternoon on Mount Jafferau in Bardonecchia where the technicians were forced to close the track for a while Rock Glacier to allow volunteers to mountain rescue and there firefighters to ascertain that no one was buried under the snow. A few hours earlier at Montgenèvre a mass of snow overwhelmed a 40-year-old Italian ski mountaineer.
Freerider overwhelmed at Passo dei Salati
Then it was the turn of a 54-year-old freerider from Lombardysurprised by the gap while skiing off-piste at 2800 meters above sea level, on Passo dei SalatiBetween Gressoney e Alagna Valsesia. He ended up in hospital ad Aosta with a one month prognosis. All accidents which, however, could have ended much worse.
Advice from Alpine Rescue
«I won’t deny that we are all really very worriedeven if, for the moment, it’s not hot at altitude during the day – he reflects Luca Gia Arcotathe president of Piedmontese Alpine Rescuean army made up of around 1200 volunteers divided into 56 stations who, in 2024, had to intervene on six occasions due to avalanche warnings – this is why I tell anyone who wants to go on an excursion these days that, if you are not absolutely sure of the conditions of the route and the weather, it is better to postpone it”.
Artva, shovel and probe always with you
Giaj Arcota, at every start of the winter season, never tires of repeating that: «It is mandatory, apart from suitable clothing, to always carry with you a shovel, a probe – light and easily transportable, it allows you to identify the exact position of the buried person under the snow – and theArtva (Avalanche Search Device) is an electronic device designed to quickly locate those caught in the snow, offering a more efficient search and reducing intervention times. «And the ARTVA must always be turned on – warns the president – because otherwise it is useless».
The situation at altitude
According to experts, the most risky situations are found above the treeline where, above 2,000 meters above sea level, 60 centimeters to a meter of snow have fallen, depending on the location. «With the fresh snow and the moderate to strong wind coming from the eastern quadrants, partly thick and unstable accumulations of windswept snow formed – explains According to Barberothe director of Harp Piedmont – The new snow from the last week will only slowly bond with the old snow. On shaded slopes and where it rained, the instability is even greater. The most dangerous points are found in the areas near the crests as well as in the basins, gullies and behind changes in slope. Already a single winter sports enthusiast, passing and cutting the snow, can in many places trigger the triggering of avalanches, even large oneswhich is why ski excursions in steep areas are not recommended.”
Final advice
«For this reason – continues the director of the regional agency Arpa – even if you are an expert it is better not to improvise because you can put your own life and that of others at risk.”
