Powder Cloud From Huge Avalanche Sweeps Across Lift Line in Courmayeur, Italy, as Danger Remains High Across Alps - SnowBrains

"A dramatic avalanche powder cloud surged across a lift line of skiers and snowboarders in Italy on Tuesday while elevated avalanche danger grips much of the Alps over the past week. The incident occurred near the Zerotta chairlift in Val Veny, just outside Courmayeur, where avalanche conditions were rated 4 out of 5 (High) at the time. Video captured by on-scene witness Jean Chiementin shows a massive plume of snow racing downslope and engulfing riders waiting in line below. No injuries have been reported."

"Events like this remind the skiing public that even when standing in managed resort areas, avalanche powder clouds can travel far beyond the slide path itself. These fast-moving snow blasts can reduce visibility instantly, knock people off their feet, and create hazardous breathing conditions. In the video people are seen panicking as the cloud arrives and completely whiteout visibility, throwing fast moving chunks of snow through the air."

"Thankfully, it was only a cloud and not the actual avalanche debris themselves. The slide occurred only 2 days after a deadly avalanche broke off-piste at Courmayeur, killing 3 in the Vesses Couloir near the Youla Tram. Authorities across the Alps continue to urge skiers and riders to check local avalanche bulletins daily, respect closures, and avoid exposed terrain during high-danger periods. With storm cycles continuing across parts of the Alps, experts say elevated avalanche risk is likely to persist"

A powerful avalanche powder cloud swept across a lift line near the Zerotta chairlift in Val Veny, just outside Courmayeur, during a period when conditions were rated High (4 out of 5). Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rapid loading of weak layers created widespread instability across the Alps. Powder clouds from avalanches can travel beyond the slide path, drastically reducing visibility, knocking people off their feet, and creating hazardous breathing conditions. The event occurred two days after a deadly off-piste avalanche at Courmayeur. Authorities continue to urge daily checks of avalanche bulletins, respect for closures, and avoidance of exposed terrain.

Read at SnowBrains