The United States Department of State on Friday cautioned Americans about “significantly increased avalanche danger” in parts of Switzerland, Austria and France, urging travelers and residents to closely follow local avalanche forecasts.
The advisory follows a season marked by dozens of avalanche-related deaths across Europe.
“Authorities report significantly increased avalanche danger in parts of Switzerland, Austria, and France,” the State Department wrote in the alert.
“Monitor conditions via the European Avalanche Warning Service: https://avalanches.org.”
An alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Austria said Austrian officials have identified “significantly increased avalanche danger in Alpine regions,” with areas of Tyrol and Vorarlberg at Danger Level 4, classified as high. Other Alpine regions are listed at Danger Level 3, deemed “considerable.”
“At Danger Level 4, avalanches can be triggered very easily, and large to very large natural avalanches can be expected,” the embassy wrote.
“Exposed transportation routes may be at risk. Conditions are extremely dangerous for snow sports outside marked and open trails. Local authorities may preemptively close certain areas and prohibit access.”
The embassy advised Americans in affected regions to review avalanche forecasts, comply with guidance from local authorities, avoid backcountry travel and remain on designated trails.
The U.S. Embassy in Switzerland also reported “significantly increased avalanche danger,” noting that large portions of the cantons of Valais and Graubünden are at Danger Level 4.
Other Alpine regions in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are listed at Level 3.
In France, the U.S. Embassy in France cited “strong or very strong avalanche risk in Alpine regions in France along the borders with Italy and Switzerland,” including Hautes Alpes, Isere, Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
Fox News Digital said it had contacted the State Department for additional comment.
In the United States, eight skiers were killed and one person remains missing near Lake Tahoe this week following what authorities described as the deadliest avalanche in California’s history.
