Off-Piste Snow Report N French Alps & Surrounding Areas : 29th January & next few days. Regular top-ups of fresh snow, but beware of continued snowpack instability, especially N’ish facing slopes above 1800 m

Since the major mid-January storm cycle and the highly unstable conditions outlined in our last snow report, we’ve benefited from a series of small top-ups of fresh snow  – around 5-10 cm at a time – over the past few days. More light snowfall is expected throughout the weekend, with the possibility of even more arriving next week.

This has been excellent for improving snow quality, with some outstanding off-piste skiing conditions last week, and more expected over the coming days.

There are still snowpack instability issues though, particularly on the colder N’ish facing slopes above 1800 m or so, and in areas further away from the easily lift-accessible off-piste areas.

From a snow stability perspective, there is now a clear contrast between two types of terrain:

a. Lift-accessed off-piste close to the runs, which has been heavily skied, compacted, and largely purged—generally offering greater stability due to skier traffic.

and

b. Areas further from the lifts, more accessed by ski tourers (lightly skied terrain), where weak layers remain widespread and the snowpack is considerably more unstable.

Regarding the more stable lift-accessed off-piste zones: this is certainly not an invitation to switch off. The key accident-reduction principles of the HAT Safety is Freedom framework (see below) still apply every time you head out.

The difference is that once you move beyond these easily accessed zones – or even to their edges – you should expect a far higher level of uncertainty.

On North’ish facing slopes above roughly 1,800 m, persistent weak layers should still be assumed – particularly once you leave areas that have seen extensive skier traffic (and thus skier compaction).

Another tragic avalanche accident earlier this week on the Lavachet wall in Tignes is a timely reminder.  See photo below. Although the slope in question (north-facing, above 1,800 m) is lift-accessible and somewhat compacted, it is extremely steep and sits above a major terrain trap. Even in the best of winter snow conditions, that kind of terrain is a serious no-go, regardless of how tracked out it is.

Weather/Snow forecast : Thurs 29th Jan to Tues 3rd Feb

THURSDAY 29th: After more light snowfall overnight, clouds will clear as the morning goes on, leading to a sunny day, and lovely skiing conditions. Light W/NW wind.

FRIDAY 30th: Light snowfall in the morning, down to around 1000 m. Possibly 10-20 cm expected above 1700 m. This will die out in the afternoon. Light WSW wind.

SATURDAY 31st:  A cloudy day in the mountains, with more ight snow showers down to 1000 m (maybe 5 cm of fresh snow)/

SUNDAY 1st: Remaining cloudy and unsettled, with occasional snow showers down to 1000 m.

MONDAY 2nd: Generally cloudy and dry. More light snow possibly coming in at the end of the night

TUESDAY 3rd: Carrying on the same, with a few more possible snow showers in the mountains

Use our HAT “Safety Is Freedom Framework” to help keep you acceptably safe off-piste:

Instead of relying on gut feeling or simple visual observations, use the key points in the HAT Framework. These are the nine essential behaviours that were not applied by most avalanche victims — and following these points can significantly reduce your risk.

You can also see these key points in the HAT Prevention Pocket Guide shown in the video. These tools are designed to complement avalanche training and remind you of what actually keeps you acceptably safe.

You can find the Framework, Pocket Guide and the full blog here: henrysavalanchetalk.com/product/hat-safety-pack/and see the pocket guide on video on youtu.be/xPcz5W2-Rcw

Safety is Freedom!