AvalancheClarity

Pelvoux

Danger level 2 Moderate
Bulletin date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 04:00 PM
Valid until:

Ski resorts in this massif: Puy-Saint-Vincent, Pelvoux-Vallouise, Les Hautes Navières

This is an AI-generated translation and summary. It may contain errors. Always read the full official Météo-France avalanche bulletin before any mountain activity.

Source: Météo-France

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Avalanche risk assessment bulletin

(valid outside of marked and open slopes)

MASSIF: Pelvoux

written on Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 4 p.m.

Pour consulter la vigilance en cours, veuillez vous rendre sur le site https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/fr

Risk assessment for Sunday, 26 April 2026

SPRING SNOW COVER. DEEP MOISTENING ON HIGH ALTITUDE NORTH-FACING SLOPES CONTINUES.


            Risque détaillé
NESW

Risk indices: 5 very high - 4 high - 3 considerable - 2 moderate - 1 low -- In black: the most dangerous slopes

Above 2400m, low risk index increasing to moderate, lower down low risk index.

Naturally triggered avalanche: in wet snow. Rare, but possibly large on high altitude north-facing slopes.

Skier-triggered release: in wet snow.

Stability of the snow cover until Sunday, 26 April evening

Typical avalanche situation:Neige humideWet snow

Naturally triggered avalanche: wet snow avalanches remaining rare but potentially large in case of a linear release. Medium to large size, on northwest / north / northeast slopes above approximately 2400 m, potentially carrying away the entire snow cover. Unlikely at the start of the day after a good overnight refreezing, then risk increasing with warming and solar radiation. Below approximately 2400 m, and on south-facing slopes up to high altitude, the spring snow cover is now dense and well stabilized.

Skier-triggered release: a skier crossing a steep slope late in the day may initiate a wet snow release under their skis. On north-facing slopes above approximately 2400 m, a first superficial wet snow avalanche triggered by a skier may, in rare cases, cause a larger linear release.

Others: serac falls reported.

Snow quality

    Below-average snow conditions on the massif, particularly on south-facing slopes. 
Snow depth observed: 217 cm at the Écrins snow weather station at 2970 m.    

Limit for skiable snow: very locally around 1600/1700 m at the valley bottom in the heart of the massif, 2300/2400 m on south-facing slopes.

Surface snow condition: spring snow cover, or even firn on all aspects below approximately 2300/2400 m and on high-altitude south-facing slopes. Good overnight refreezing, then return of wetting during the day. Cold snow can still be found on glaciers or in high-altitude northern bowls, above 2900/3000 m.
  

Weather overview for Sunday, 26 April

nightmorningafternoonevening
Calm weather, largely sunny and warm. Thicker cloud veil in the second half of the day.
Rain-Snow----
Iso 0°C3400 m3400 m3300 m3200 m
Wind 2000 m 10 km/h 10 km/h 20 km/h 5 km/h
Wind 3000 m 10 km/h 10 km/h 15 km/h 10 km/h

Off-piste snow depth

Sat. 25 April N S 125 cm 2500 m 55 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m 30 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m Continuous snow cover altitudes: North face : 1800 m South face : 2300 m

Precipitation at 1800 m

Cumulated quantities in 24 hours Fresh snow at 1800m Fresh snow Min Fresh snow Max Rain 5 10 Snow (cm) / Rain (mm) 0 0 0 Wed. 22 at 6h 0 0 0 Thu. 23 at 6h 0 0 0 Fri. 24 at 6h 0 0 0 Sat. 25 at 6h 0 0 0 Sun. 26 at 6h 0 0 0 Mon. 27 at 6h

Outlook for Monday, 27 April

Risk index moderate

Little change. The snow situation remains driven by wet snow activity through the daytime changes. Rare large linear releases on high altitude north-facing slopes.

Snow-weather conditions for the last 7 days

Last 7 days

Sun. 19/04Mon. 20/04Tue. 21/04Wed. 22/04Thu. 23/04Fri. 24/04Sat. 25/04
03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h
Weather
Wind
(km/h)
at 3000m
20252520202525252025302525252520201515101010101010151510
Wind
(km/h)
at 2000m
1015251510152515101525101515251010151555101555102010
Iso 0°CRain-snow limit
Altitude (m)
3200
2400
1600
800
0
Sun. 19/04Mon. 20/04Tue. 21/04Wed. 22/04Thu. 23/04Fri. 24/04Sat. 25/04
Fresh
snow (6h)
0 cm
Avalanche
Risk
Snow cover North and South at  1500m···   2000m- - -   2500m
Total snow
depth (cm)
200
160
120
80
40
0
75706560606055150140135130130130125
Sun. 19/04Mon. 20/04Tue. 21/04Wed. 22/04Thu. 23/04Fri. 24/04Sat. 25/04
Snow limit - North face   Snow limit - South face
Snow
limit (m)
2700
2400
2100
1800
1500
1200
900
600
300
0
1800180018001800180018001800 2200220022002200220022002300
Sun. 19/04Mon. 20/04Tue. 21/04Wed. 22/04Thu. 23/04Fri. 24/04Sat. 25/04
Iso 0°C RSL Weather
at
1800m
Wind at
2000m
Wind at
3000m
Sun. 19/0403h3 300-
10
20
09h3 000-
15
25
15h3 000-
25
25
21h2 900-
15
20
Mon. 20/0403h2 900-
10
20
09h2 900-
15
25
15h3 000-
25
25
21h2 900-
15
25
Tue. 21/0403h2 800-
10
20
09h2 800-
15
25
15h2 800-
25
30
21h2 800-
10
25
Wed. 22/0403h2 800-
15
25
09h2 700-
15
25
15h2 700-
25
25
21h2 300-
10
20
Thu. 23/0403h2 300-
10
20
09h2 600-
15
15
15h2 800-
15
15
21h3 000-
5
10
Fri. 24/0403h3 000-
5
10
09h3 100-
10
10
15h3 200-
15
10
21h3 200-
5
10
Sat. 25/0403h3 200-
5
10
09h3 200-
10
15
15h3 200-
20
15
21h3 300-
10
10
Avalanche
risk
Snow limit Snow depth at
2000m
Fresh snow at
1800m
Sun. 19/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 75 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Mon. 20/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 70 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Tue. 21/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 65 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Wed. 22/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Thu. 23/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Fri. 24/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Sat. 25/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 300 m
N : 55 cm
S : 0 cm

La documentation utile à la bonne lecture de ce BRA est disponible sur le guide avalanche 2025

Rédigé par Météo-France avec la contribution des observateurs du réseau nivo-météorologique. Partenariat : ANMSM (Maires de Stations de Montagne), DSF (Domaines Skiables de France), ADSP (Directeurs de Pistes et de la Sécurité des Stations de Sports d'Hiver) et autres acteurs de la montagne.

French Translation & Notes
MANTEAU NEIGEUX PRINTANIER.
SPRING SNOWPACK.
*Manteau neigeux* is the standard term for snowpack. *Printanier* (spring-like) indicates the snow is undergoing melt-freeze cycles.
L'HUMIDIFICATION EN PROFONDEUR EN UBAC D'ALTITUDE SE POURSUIT.
DEEP WETTING ON HIGH-ALTITUDE SHADED SLOPES CONTINUES.
*Humidification en profondeur* refers to water percolating deep into the snowpack. *Ubac* is a geographical term for the shaded, north-facing side of a mountain.
Départs spontanés : avalanches en neige humide restant rares mais pouvant être volumineuses en cas de départ linéaire.
Spontaneous releases: wet snow avalanches remain rare but can be large in the case of a linear release.
*Départ linéaire* usually refers to a slab avalanche (as opposed to a point release). *Volumineuses* warns of the potential mass of wet snow.
Taille moyenne à grande, dans les pentes nord-ouest / nord / nord-est au-dessus de 2400 m environ, pouvant emporter la totalité du manteau neigeux.
Medium to large size, on north-west / north / north-east slopes above approximately 2400 m, potentially taking the entire snowpack.
*Emporter la totalité* suggests a full-depth avalanche, often sliding on the ground or a deep crust.
Peu probables en début de journée après un bon regel nocturne, puis risque en augmentation au fil du réchauffement et de l’ensoleillement.
Unlikely at the start of the day after a good overnight freeze, then risk increases with warming and sunlight.
*Regel nocturne* is the most important concept in spring touring; it's the crust that forms overnight when temperatures drop below freezing.
En dessous de 2400 m environ, et dans les pentes sud jusqu'à haute altitude, le manteau neigeux printanier est désormais dense et bien stabilisé.
Below approximately 2400 m, and on south slopes up to high altitude, the spring snowpack is now dense and well-stabilized.
*Désormais* (now/from now on) indicates that at these lower/warmer locations, the snow has already completed its transition to a stable spring pack.
Déclenchements provoqués : un skieur coupant une pente raide tardivement peut initier un départ de neige humide sous les skis.
Triggered releases: a skier cutting a steep slope late in the day can initiate a wet snow slide under their skis.
*Coupant* means traversing or cutting across. *Tardivement* (late) emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of wet snow risks.
Dans les ubacs au-dessus de 2400 m environ, une première avalanche superficielle de neige humide déclenchée par un skieur peut dans de rares cas provoquer un départ linéaire plus volumineux.
On shaded slopes above approximately 2400 m, an initial superficial wet snow avalanche triggered by a skier can in rare cases cause a larger linear release.
This describes a 'step-down' mechanism where a small slough triggers a deeper, larger slab.
Autres : chutes de seracs signalés.
Other: serac falls reported.
*Seracs* are large blocks or towers of glacial ice. Their fall is unpredictable and not directly related to snowpack instability.
Temps calme, largement ensoleillé et chaud.
Calm weather, largely sunny and warm.
*Largement ensoleillé* means mostly sunny.
Voile nuageux plus épais en seconde partie de journée.
Thicker cloud veil in the second half of the day.
*Voile nuageux* (cloud veil) usually refers to high-altitude cirrus clouds that can sometimes reduce the efficiency of the overnight freeze.
Enneigement déficitaire sur le massif, particulièrement en adrets.
Snow coverage is below average across the massif, particularly on sunny slopes.
*Déficitaire* means there is less snow than usual. *Adret* is the opposite of *ubac*; it refers to the sunny, south-facing side.
Hauteurs de neige observées : 217 cm à la nivôse des Écrins à 2970 m.
Observed snow depths: 217 cm at the Écrins nivôse station at 2970 m.
A *nivôse* is an automated station used by Météo-France to measure snow depth and other data in high mountains.
Limite d'enneigement skiable : très localement vers 1600/1700 m en fond de vallée en cœur de massif, 2300/2400 m en adrets.
Skiable snow limit: very locally around 1600/1700 m at the valley floor in the heart of the massif, 2300/2400 m on sunny slopes.
*Fond de vallée* means the valley floor; *cœur de massif* refers to the central, usually higher part of the mountain range.
État de la neige de surface : manteau neigeux printanier, voire de névé en toute orientation sous 2300/2400 m environ et en adrets d'altitude.
Surface snow condition: spring snowpack, or even firn (névé) in all aspects below approximately 2300/2400 m and on high-altitude sunny slopes.
*Névé* (firn) refers to old, hard snow that has survived several melt-freeze cycles and is very dense.
Bon regel nocturne, puis reprise de l'humidification en journée.
Good overnight freeze, followed by a resumption of wetting during the day.
*Reprise* means it starts up again; this highlights the daily cycle of stabilization and softening.
On trouve encore de la neige froide sur les glaciers ou en combes nord de haute altitude, au delà de 2900/3000 m.
Cold snow is still found on glaciers or in high-altitude north-facing bowls, above 2900/3000 m.
*Combes* are bowl-like valleys or recessed features on the mountain. *Neige froide* (cold snow) means snow that hasn't yet been transformed by heat.
French Term English Term Definition Source
Départ spontané Naturally triggered avalanche Avalanche not caused by external forces, e.g. snowfall or loss in firmness due to weather conditions. European Avalanche Warning Services
déclenchable Skier-triggered release An avalanche caused by the weight of a person (skier, snowboarder, hiker) or by explosives. The additional load collapses a weak layer, causing the slab above to fracture and slide. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
Ubac North-facing slopes The shady, north-facing side of a mountain. Snow persists longer and weak layers are better preserved on ubac slopes. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
Adret South-facing slopes The sunny, south-facing side of a mountain. Snow becomes wet more quickly due to solar radiation. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
Avalanche de neige mouillèe Wet snow avalanches Avalanche of wet snow masses. European Avalanche Warning Services
Au cours de la journée Daytime changes Evolving avalanche danger over the course of a day. Avalanche danger can vary greatly during the day. Springtime situations are typical: after a clear night, avalanche danger is low early in the morning, then increases over the course of the day due to daytime warming and solar radiation. Also common while heavy snowfall, prolonged wind activity and rain. European Avalanche Warning Services
Enneigement Snow conditions The depth and distribution of snow on the ground across a mountain range. Varies with elevation, aspect, and snowfall history. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
ensoleillement solar radiation Light and heat energy from the sun. Much of this is in the Ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Avalanche Center (US)
marqué considerable Snowpack is moderately to poorly bonded on many steep slopes. Triggering is possible even from low additional loads, particularly on indicated steep slopes. In certain situations, some large natural avalanches are possible. European Avalanche Warning Services
Pente raide Steep slope Slopes steeper than approximately 30°, where most slab avalanches occur. The steeper the slope, the lower the additional load needed to trigger a release. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
Regel Refreezing Overnight freezing of the snow surface forming a hard crust. Refreezing temporarily stabilises the snowpack but strength decreases with daytime warming. AvalancheClarity Static Glossary
Manteau neigeux Snow cover Snow deposited on the ground in a multiplicity of layers. European Avalanche Warning Services
Hauteur de neige Snow depth Thickness of the snowpack measured vertically. European Avalanche Warning Services
Stabilisé Stabilized See: Increasing firmness (of a snow layer) European Avalanche Warning Services
Stabilité Stability The strength of a snowpack to withstand internal and external disturbances.Stability is determined by firmness vs. stress inside a snow layer. European Avalanche Warning Services
très fort very high Snowpack is generally unstable. Many large natural avalanches are expected, even on moderately steep terrain. Extremely dangerous conditions — avoid all avalanche terrain. European Avalanche Warning Services
Neige humide Wet snow The wet snow problem is related to the weakening of the snowpack due to the presence of liquid water. Water infiltrates the snowpack due to high radiation impact (sunshine) which leads to melt or rain (advecting energy into the snowpack leading to melt as well). European Avalanche Warning Services
limité moderate Snowpack is moderately well bonded on some steep slopes, otherwise generally well bonded. Triggering is possible with high additional loads, particularly on indicated steep slopes. Large natural avalanches unlikely. European Avalanche Warning Services
Exposition Aspects Direction in which a slope faces as indicated by compass direction of the fall line; i.e. a north slope faces in a northerly direction. European Avalanche Warning Services
moyen medium IACS/UNESCO
Creux Bowls Rounded or elongated concavity; typically tending to accumulate snowdrift. European Avalanche Warning Services
Névé Firn Snow accumulated in recent years, mostly atop glaciers, intensely metamorphosed and denser because of melting and refreezing, as well as from pressures of overlying snow masses. European Avalanche Warning Services
Risque Risk Likelihood of occurrence combines mathematical probability, risk exposure and possible damages. European Avalanche Warning Services
faible low Snowpack is generally well bonded and stable. Triggering is generally possible only from high additional loads in a few isolated steep extreme terrain features. Only small natural avalanches possible. European Avalanche Warning Services
1 2 3 4 5

Bulletin d'estimation du risque d'avalanche

(valable en dehors des pistes balisées et ouvertes)

MASSIF : Pelvoux

rédigé le samedi 25 avril 2026 à 16 h.

Pour consulter la vigilance en cours, veuillez vous rendre sur le site https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr/fr

Estimation des risques pour le dimanche 26 avril 2026

MANTEAU NEIGEUX PRINTANIER. L'HUMIDIFICATION EN PROFONDEUR EN UBAC D'ALTITUDE SE POURSUIT.


            Risque détaillé
NESO

Indices de risque : 5 très fort - 4 fort - 3 marqué - 2 limité - 1 faible -- En noir : les pentes les plus dangereuses

Au-dessus de 2400m indice de risque faible évoluant en limité, plus bas indice faible.

Départs spontanés : en neige humide. Rares, mais possiblement volumineux en ubacs d'altitude.

Déclenchements skieurs : en neige humide.

Stabilité du manteau neigeux jusqu'au dimanche 26 avril au soir

Situation avalancheuse typique :Neige humideNeige humide

Départs spontanés : avalanches en neige humide restant rares mais pouvant être volumineuses en cas de départ linéaire. Taille moyenne à grande, dans les pentes nord-ouest / nord / nord-est au-dessus de 2400 m environ, pouvant emporter la totalité du manteau neigeux. Peu probables en début de journée après un bon regel nocturne, puis risque en augmentation au fil du réchauffement et de l’ensoleillement. En dessous de 2400 m environ, et dans les pentes sud jusqu'à haute altitude, le manteau neigeux printanier est désormais dense et bien stabilisé.

Déclenchements provoqués : un skieur coupant une pente raide tardivement peut initier un départ de neige humide sous les skis. Dans les ubacs au-dessus de 2400 m environ, une première avalanche superficielle de neige humide déclenchée par un skieur peut dans de rares cas provoquer un départ linéaire plus volumineux.

Autres : chutes de seracs signalés.

Qualité de la neige

    Enneigement déficitaire sur le massif, particulièrement en adrets. 
Hauteurs de neige observées : 217 cm à la nivôse des Écrins à 2970 m.    

Limite d'enneigement skiable : très localement vers 1600/1700 m en fond de vallée en cœur de massif, 2300/2400 m en adrets.

État de la neige de surface : manteau neigeux printanier, voire de névé en toute orientation sous 2300/2400 m environ et en adrets d'altitude. Bon regel nocturne, puis reprise de l'humidification en journée. On trouve encore de la neige froide sur les glaciers ou en combes nord de haute altitude, au delà de 2900/3000 m.
  

Aperçu météo pour le dimanche 26 avril

nuitmatinaprès-midisoir
Temps calme, largement ensoleillé et chaud. Voile nuageux plus épais en seconde partie de journée.
Pluie-Neige----
Iso 0°C3400 m3400 m3300 m3200 m
Vent 2000 m 10 km/h 10 km/h 20 km/h 5 km/h
Vent 3000 m 10 km/h 10 km/h 15 km/h 10 km/h

Epaisseur de neige hors-piste

sam. 25 avril N S 125 cm 2500 m 55 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m 30 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m Altitudes d'enneigement continu : Versant NORD : 1800 m Versant SUD : 2300 m

Précipitations à 1800 m

Quantités cumulées en 24 heures Neige fraîche à 1800m Neige fraîche Min Neige fraîche Max Pluie 5 10 Neige (cm) / Pluie (mm) 0 0 0 mer. 22 à 6h 0 0 0 jeu. 23 à 6h 0 0 0 ven. 24 à 6h 0 0 0 sam. 25 à 6h 0 0 0 dim. 26 à 6h 0 0 0 lun. 27 à 6h

Tendance du lundi 27 avril

Indice de risque limité

Peu d'évolution. La situation nivologique reste pilotée par l'activité en neige humide au cours de la journée. Rares départs linéaires volumineux dans les ubacs d'altitude.

Conditions nivo-météo des 7 derniers jours

Les 7 derniers jours

dim. 19/04lun. 20/04mar. 21/04mer. 22/04jeu. 23/04ven. 24/04sam. 25/04
03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h03h09h15h21h
Météo
Vent
(km/h)
à 3000m
20252520202525252025302525252520201515101010101010151510
Vent
(km/h)
à 2000m
1015251510152515101525101515251010151555101555102010
Iso 0°CLimite pluie-neige
Altitude en m
3200
2400
1600
800
0
dim. 19/04lun. 20/04mar. 21/04mer. 22/04jeu. 23/04ven. 24/04sam. 25/04
Neige
fraîche (6h)
0 cm
Risque
d'Avalanche
Enneigement versant Nord et Sud à  1500m···   2000m- - -   2500m
Hauteur totale
de neige (cm)
200
160
120
80
40
0
75706560606055150140135130130130125
dim. 19/04lun. 20/04mar. 21/04mer. 22/04jeu. 23/04ven. 24/04sam. 25/04
Limite de l'enneigement - Versant Nord   Limite de l'enneigement - Versant Sud
Limite
d'enneigement (m)
2700
2400
2100
1800
1500
1200
900
600
300
0
1800180018001800180018001800 2200220022002200220022002300
dim. 19/04lun. 20/04mar. 21/04mer. 22/04jeu. 23/04ven. 24/04sam. 25/04
Iso 0°C LPN Météo
à
1800m
Vent à
2000m
Vent à
3000m
dim. 19/0403h3 300-
10
20
09h3 000-
15
25
15h3 000-
25
25
21h2 900-
15
20
lun. 20/0403h2 900-
10
20
09h2 900-
15
25
15h3 000-
25
25
21h2 900-
15
25
mar. 21/0403h2 800-
10
20
09h2 800-
15
25
15h2 800-
25
30
21h2 800-
10
25
mer. 22/0403h2 800-
15
25
09h2 700-
15
25
15h2 700-
25
25
21h2 300-
10
20
jeu. 23/0403h2 300-
10
20
09h2 600-
15
15
15h2 800-
15
15
21h3 000-
5
10
ven. 24/0403h3 000-
5
10
09h3 100-
10
10
15h3 200-
15
10
21h3 200-
5
10
sam. 25/0403h3 200-
5
10
09h3 200-
10
15
15h3 200-
20
15
21h3 300-
10
10
Risque
avalanche
Limite enneigement Enneigement à
2000m
Neige fraîche à
1800m
dim. 19/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 75 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
lun. 20/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 70 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
mar. 21/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 65 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
mer. 22/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
jeu. 23/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
ven. 24/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 200 m
N : 60 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
sam. 25/04N : 1 800 m
S : 2 300 m
N : 55 cm
S : 0 cm

La documentation utile à la bonne lecture de ce BRA est disponible sur le guide avalanche 2025

Rédigé par Météo-France avec la contribution des observateurs du réseau nivo-météorologique. Partenariat : ANMSM (Maires de Stations de Montagne), DSF (Domaines Skiables de France), ADSP (Directeurs de Pistes et de la Sécurité des Stations de Sports d'Hiver) et autres acteurs de la montagne.