Mont-Blanc Snowpack Nears Record High
Snow conditions in the French Alps are exceptional -- Mont-Blanc's snowpack is at 199% of normal, with 379 cm of snowfall this year Mont-Blanc Snow - Snow forecast and snow conditions. The Northern Alps (135% of normal, 278 cm average) and Hautes-Alpes (134% of normal, 231 cm average) also report above-average snow Northern Alps Snow - Snow forecast and snow conditions Hautes-Alpes Snow - Snow forecast and snow conditions. Avalanche risk management is crucial for backcountry activities.
While the snowpack is nearing record levels, average snow depth in the Swiss Alps has decreased by eight centimeters per decade. Since the 1970s, Alpine snowpack has decreased by 5.6% per decade. Mont Blanc, also known as the "Roof of Europe", attracts approximately 6 million visitors a year. Tourism generates 850 million euros per year and an additional indirect expenditure of 400 million euros, accounting for two-thirds of the local economy. Despite the deep snow, climate change is causing glaciers in the Alps to retreat, with some projections suggesting most could disappear by 2100. Since 1850, glaciers in the Alps have already lost 30-40% of their surface area. Avalanche risk remains a serious concern, even with substantial snowfalls. The most dangerous avalanches occur on slopes between 30° and 45°. Mountain resorts have teams that trigger avalanches in a controlled manner to minimize the risk.
