Alps face lingering avalanche dangers despite warming weather shifts

Avalanche risks remain high across large parts of the Alps, despite recent improvements in some areas. The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) has kept the danger level at 'considerable'—the third-highest rating—in many regions. Mild weather and rising temperatures are now changing conditions, but hazards persist in different forms at varying altitudes.

Last week, heavy snowfall blanketed the mountains, pushing the western Alps to the highest avalanche warning level. In the Zentralen Stubaier Alpen, a deadly avalanche on 15 February 2026 highlighted the dangers of fresh, wind-packed snow. Since then, milder weather has eased conditions in some areas, lowering the risk from 'high' to 'moderate' in parts of the western Alps.

This week, however, record warmth is accelerating changes in the snowpack. Below 1,500 to 1,700 metres, springlike temperatures and higher humidity are speeding up thawing. Between 1,700 and 2,400 metres, glide-snow avalanches are becoming more likely as the snow weakens. Above 2,000 metres, the snow remains mostly stable, though sun-exposed slopes may deteriorate due to dry air.

Temperatures at 2,000 metres could hit 10°C by Wednesday, while the freezing level may rise to around 3,000 metres. These shifts increase the risk of unexpectedly large avalanches in the coming days, even in areas where the snowpack appears intact. Processes like sublimation and melting, driven by temperature and humidity, continue to reshape the snow's structure.

The current mix of thawing at lower elevations and lingering instability at higher altitudes keeps avalanche risks unpredictable. Authorities urge caution, particularly below 2,400 metres, where glide-snow avalanches pose a growing threat. With the freezing level climbing to unusual heights, conditions may change rapidly in the days ahead.