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United Kingdom Alpine avalanche risk at highest level
Published on 16/12/2008
DAVOS – Swiss authorities have raised the avalanche threat to its highest level in parts of the country following unseasonably heavy snowfall.
The Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in Davos says up to 80 centimetres of fresh snow on Monday have strongly increased the risk of large avalanches. The avalanche risk level now stands at 5 and is very high.
The institute says the southeastern part of the canton (state) of Valais is at greatest risk. The area includes Switzerland’s iconic Matterhorn range.
Each year dozens of people die in avalanches in Switzerland.
A slide on Sunday killed a 60-year-old woman in eastern Switzerland. Rescuers are still searching for a man who was swept away while ice climbing in Valais.
[AP / Expatica]
