Sunday, rescue authorities reported that a British woman died after being caught in an avalanche while trekking with two other individuals on Mont Blanc.
The catastrophe occurred Saturday afternoon on the Argentière Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Mont Blanc mountain range.
The 45-year-old woman was discovered buried under snow, and rescue personnel came too late to save her.
She was trekking with her companion and a guide in the Chamonix valley’s Mont Blanc range.
On Sunday, rescue authorities reported that a British woman died after being caught in an avalanche while trekking with two other individuals on Mont Blanc.
The tragedy occurred Saturday afternoon on the Argentière Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Mont Blanc mountain range
The police have requested an accident inquiry and autopsy.
The two other hikers remained uninjured, according to authorities.
Today (Sunday) a second avalanche was produced in a nearby ski area, and a search was underway for probable victims.
The region is on high alert following a recent snowstorm. The three individuals involved in Saturday’s mishap were hiking on the Argentiere glacier around 5:50 p.m. when tragedy struck.
The avalanche was initiated, burying the woman beneath a snow slab.
Despite the efforts of the emergency personnel, according to the mountain police, “the individual tragically perished.”
The judicial authorities have sought an investigation and autopsy at this time.
During Sunday midday, a second avalanche was triggered in the Brevent ski area, also in the Chamonix valley.
According to witnesses, an avalanche hit a ski run.
The mountain was closed, and rescuers were searching the area for any victims. The valley’s ski instructors were requested to assist in the operation.
The 45-year-old woman was discovered buried in snow, and rescue personnel came too late to save her (Argentière glacier file photo).
One eyewitness stated, “A woman was entangled up to her hips in the slide.” Skiers and snowboarders have initiated a search. Then, the specialists took control.
Chamonix is on high alert due to recent snowfall and the forecast of more than 70cm of snow at 2000 meters on Sunday and Monday.
Sunday’s avalanche risk was rated as a three out of five, or ‘considerable’
Avalanche Academy, an avalanche training school in Chamonix, warned snow fans to take measures, stating, “There’s going to be a massive amount of snow in Chamonix this week, which means the avalanche risk will increase dramatically.”
The Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in western Europe at 4,800 meters (almost 16,000 feet), attracts 20,000 hikers and skiers annually.
Local officials have cautioned that the increasing popularity of Mont Blanc creates a serious environmental and security risk.
In recent years, warmer temperatures have caused permafrost to melt, increasing the risk of rock falls on the most popular routes.
In August, officials blocked two popular mountain shelters utilized by Mont Blanc climbers due to the risk of deadly rockfalls caused by drought.
It is claimed that melting snow can potentially create avalanches.
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