It is one of the most feared scourges of winter.
Every year, numerous avalanches occur in France and cause the death of dozens of people.
Over the last five decades, the average number of deaths per year is set at an average of 29.6 deaths per year, according to the census of the National Association for the Study of Snow and Avalanches (Anena).
This Sunday, February 25, an avalanche swept away nine mountaineers in the Sancy massif (Puy-de-Dôme).
Four people died, three were slightly injured and the other two, unhurt, were able to raise the alarm.
Although well equipped, these “seasoned skiers” were accompanied by a professional guide, but it “is important to remember that even at medium altitude, the mountain can be dangerous, even fatal,” confides Sébastien Dubourg, mayor of Mont-Dore.
Also read: “It’s really a disaster!
»: astonishment at the Mont-Dore station after the avalanche which left four dead
Regardless of the risk of avalanche, there are rules to follow to protect yourself, whether you are a skier or a hiker.
First of all, it is important to remember that in the event of heavy snowfall, rain or sudden temperature changes, you must be particularly vigilant because avalanches can trigger spontaneously.
Keep informed of weather conditions
Before going hiking or off-piste skiing, it is imperative to keep yourself informed of the weather conditions and dangerous areas.
You must be aware of the level of risk given by the avalanche risk assessment bulletins issued by Météo France, or by the avalanche risk pictograms and flags installed in winter sports resorts.
On this other infographic we differentiate level 4 avalanche on a solid red background from level 5 on a checkered background.
https://t.co/7An4SUVspi pic.twitter.com/gg5x5mzga4
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Firefighters indicate that it is imperative to have appropriate safety equipment such as a DVA (avalanche victim detector) or an ARVA (avalanche victim search device).
It is also recommended to have a shovel, probe and telephone.
When hiking, it is advisable to cross risk areas one by one.
Even when it is not a risk area, it is imperative to leave a good distance between each member of the group to avoid overloading on snow patches.
Escape laterally
To avoid triggering an avalanche as much as possible, it is imperative to take the least steep slopes, never stop downstream of the tracks of others because the risk of avalanche is increased tenfold, and move gently, avoiding sudden turns and, if possible, falls.
If it is already too late and the avalanche has already been triggered, the firefighters give some reflexes to adopt.
You must try to escape laterally and never try to descend faster than you, keep yourself on the surface with big swimming movements, get rid of your backpack if it is heavy, keep it on if it is heavy. is lightweight and catches obstacles such as trees and stones to avoid being swept away.
In the event that you find yourself under the avalanche, emergency services advise you to create space around yourself to clear your airways, dig upwards, towards the light, try to stretch your arms or a stick for breaking through the snow surface.
It is imperative not to run out of breath while shouting to be heard, but to favor short, high-pitched sounds, "the ideal would be a whistle", indicate the firefighters.