More than 90 deaths this season: Are we seeing more avalanches?

February 19, 2026

Recent deadly avalanche incidents in California and across the Alps have drawn attention to avalanche safety during this year's ski season, with different weather conditions contributing to unusually dangerous situations in both regions. California experienced a fatal avalanche that killed eight skiers after intense snowfall following a prolonged drought created unstable conditions where new snow couldn't properly bond with the hardened surface below. Meanwhile, the European Alps have seen above-average fatalities this season due to two major storms dumping heavy snow after extended dry periods, creating weak layers in the snowpack and prompting evacuations and lockdowns at some resorts.

Who is affected

Eight skiers killed in California avalanche, with one person still unaccounted for
95 people who have died in avalanche incidents across Europe so far this season
Three British nationals among the dozens killed in European avalanches
25 fatalities each in France and Italy, and 13 in Switzerland
Communities in Switzerland and northern Italy who have been evacuated
Residents and tourists at Tignes and Val d'Isere resorts who were forced into lockdown
Winter sports enthusiasts and off-piste skiers throughout affected regions

What action is being taken

French resorts Tignes and Val d'Isere have imposed lockdowns forcing residents and tourists to stay indoors
Pistes are being closed off in areas with avalanche danger
La Plagne resort holds weekly safety days during high season
Resorts are carrying out safety work including pre-emptive avalanche blasting
La Plagne has deployed a drone equipped with thermal cameras for avalanche detection and rescue operations
Resorts are providing advice and information to tourists about avalanche conditions

Why it matters

This situation matters because avalanche fatalities are significantly higher than recent years in Europe, with 95 deaths so far this season compared to 70 in all of 2023-24. The convergence of unusual weather patterns—extended droughts followed by intense precipitation—is creating particularly unstable snowpack conditions that may occur only once every eight years according to French meteorologists. Climate change appears to be contributing to more extreme weather fluctuations that increase avalanche risk, with wet snow avalanches expected to become more frequent and potentially more deadly as temperatures rise. The increased popularity of off-piste skiing, where 25% of skiers now venture beyond protected marked trails, compounds these dangers, making avalanche awareness and safety precautions more critical than ever for winter sports enthusiasts.

What's next

Weather is expected to improve from Friday, giving resorts space to carry out more safety work and allowing the snowpack to settle. However, sunny, south-facing slopes will lose some of their snow, potentially leading to greater risks for off-pisters.

Read full article from source: BBC