AvalancheClarity

Queyras

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

Ski resorts in this massif: Abriès-Ristolas, Aiguilles, Arvieux, Ceillac, Molines-en-Queyras / Saint-Véran

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: Queyras

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 remain rare but can be large in the case of a linear release. Medium size, large not excluded, on northwest / north / northeast slopes above approximately 2400 m, potentially taking the entire snow cover with them. Unlikely at the start of the day after good overnight refreezing, then risk increasing as warming and solar radiation progress. 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 can initiate a wet snow slide under their skis. On north-facing slopes above approximately 2400 m, an initial superficial wet snow avalanche triggered by a skier can in rare cases cause a larger linear release.

Snow quality

    Snow conditions are well below average for mid-April, especially on South-facing slopes, which are often bare up to over 2500 m.
Snow depth observed: 44 cm at the Col Agnel Nivôse at 2630 m.

Limit for skiable snow: at its lowest at 1900 m on well-protected North-facing slopes or on forest tracks towards the Briançonnais, more often 2000/2100 m. 

Surface snow condition: spring-like snow cover, or even firn on all aspects below about 2300/2400 m and on high-altitude South-facing slopes. A few north-facing slopes with cold snow can still be found above 2900/3000 m. Good overnight refreezing, followed by renewed moistening during the day.
  

Weather overview for Sunday, 26 April

nightmorningafternoonevening
Calm weather, mostly sunny and warm. In the second half of the day, a thicker cloud veil will develop. Towards the Italian border, cumulus clouds and rare late-day showers.
Rain-Snow----
Iso 0°C3300 m3300 m3200 m3200 m
Wind 2000 m 5 km/h 10 km/h 25 km/h 10 km/h
Wind 3000 m 20 km/h 20 km/h 20 km/h 10 km/h

Off-piste snow depth

Sat. 25 April N S 40 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m 0 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m Continuous snow cover altitudes: North face : 2100 m South face : 2600 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
20302530253035303030352530353515152520101015201515101520
Wind
(km/h)
at 2000m
1020301510203015101530101020251010202055102055102510
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)
120
80
40
0
1055504540404040
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)
3000
2700
2400
2100
1800
1500
1200
900
600
300
0
2000210021002100210021002100 2600260026002600260026002600
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 200-
10
20
09h3 000-
20
30
15h3 000-
30
25
21h2 900-
15
30
Mon. 20/0403h2 900-
10
25
09h2 800-
20
30
15h2 900-
30
35
21h3 000-
15
30
Tue. 21/0403h2 900-
10
30
09h2 800-
15
30
15h2 900-
30
35
21h2 800-
10
25
Wed. 22/0403h2 800-
10
30
09h2 800-
20
35
15h2 6002 300
25
35
21h2 400-
10
15
Thu. 23/0403h2 400-
10
15
09h2 600-
20
25
15h2 800-
20
20
21h3 000-
5
10
Fri. 24/0403h3 000-
5
10
09h3 100-
10
15
15h3 200-
20
20
21h3 200-
5
15
Sat. 25/0403h3 200-
5
15
09h3 200-
10
10
15h3 200-
25
15
21h3 300-
10
20
Avalanche
risk
Snow limit Snow depth at
2000m
Fresh snow at
1800m
Sun. 19/04N : 2 000 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 10 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Mon. 20/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Tue. 21/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Wed. 22/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Thu. 23/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Fri. 24/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
Sat. 25/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 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. L'HUMIDIFICATION EN PROFONDEUR EN UBAC D'ALTITUDE SE POURSUIT.
SPRING SNOWPACK. DEEP-SEATED MOISTENING IN HIGH-ALTITUDE SHADED SLOPES CONTINUES.
*Manteau neigeux* means snowpack. *Printanier* is the adjective for spring. *Humidification en profondeur* refers to water percolating deep into the snow layers. *Ubac* is a geographical term for a shaded, north-facing slope (the opposite of *adret*).
Départs spontanés : avalanches en neige humide restant rares mais pouvant être volumineuses en cas de départ linéaire.
Natural releases: wet snow avalanches remain rare but can be large in the event of a linear (slab) release.
*Départs spontanés* refers to natural (non-human triggered) avalanches. *Départ linéaire* usually indicates a slab avalanche (where a line breaks) rather than a point-release (*départ ponctuel*).
Taille moyenne, grande non exclue, dans les pentes nord-ouest / nord / nord-est au-dessus de 2400 m environ, pouvant emporter la totalité du manteau neigeux.
Medium-sized, with large not ruled out, on northwest / north / northeast slopes above approximately 2400m, potentially involving the full depth of the snowpack.
*Non exclue* means not ruled out or possible. *Emporter la totalité* suggests a full-depth avalanche reaching the ground or a very old interface.
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 as warming and sunshine progress.
*Regel nocturne* (night freeze) is a critical term in spring skiing; it's the process that stabilizes the snowpack overnight. *Au fil de* means 'as it goes' or 'along with'.
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 2400m, and on south slopes up to high altitude, the spring snowpack is now dense and well-stabilized.
*Désormais* means 'from now on' or 'currently'. *Dense* and *stabilisé* indicate that the freeze-thaw cycles have settled the snow into a solid mass.
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 may initiate a wet snow release under their skis.
*Déclenchements provoqués* are human-triggered avalanches. *Tardivement* (late) warns of the danger that increases as the day gets warmer.
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 (ubacs) above approximately 2400m, an initial superficial wet snow avalanche triggered by a skier can, in rare cases, trigger a larger linear release.
This describes a 'step-down' scenario where a small surface slide (*superficielle*) puts enough stress on a deeper layer to cause a much larger slab release (*départ linéaire*).
Temps calme, largement ensoleillé et chaud.
Calm weather, mostly sunny and warm.
*Largement ensoleillé* translates to 'mostly' or 'largely' sunny.
En seconde partie de journée, voile nuageux plus épais.
In the second half of the day, a thicker cloud veil will develop.
*Voile nuageux* refers to high, thin cirrus clouds (a 'veil'). This can sometimes limit the overnight freeze.
Vers l'Italie, des cumulus, rares averses tardives.
Towards the Italian border, cumulus clouds and rare late-day showers.
*Vers l'Italie* often refers to the 'retour d'est' weather pattern common in this border region.
Enneigement très déficitaire pour une mi-avril, notamment en adrets, souvent secs jusqu'à plus de 2500 m.
Snowpack is very deficient for mid-April, especially on sunny slopes (adrets), which are often bare up to over 2500m.
*Déficitaire* is a key term meaning below normal levels. *Adret* is the sunny, south-facing slope.
Hauteurs de neige observées : 44 cm à la Nivôse du Col Agnel à 2630 m.
Observed snow depths: 44 cm at the Col Agnel Nivôse station at 2630m.
*Nivôse* is the name of Météo-France's automated high-altitude snow and weather recording stations.
Limite d'enneigement skiable : au plus bas à 1900 m en ubacs bien protégés ou sur pistes forestières vers le Briançonnais, plus souvent 2000/2100 m.
Skiable snow limit: at its lowest at 1900m in well-protected shaded slopes or on forest tracks towards the Briançonnais, more often 2000/2100m.
*Limite d'enneigement skiable* distinguishes where you can actually ski versus where there is just a trace of snow.
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) on all aspects below approximately 2300/2400m and on high-altitude sunny slopes.
*Névé* refers to old, compacted snow that has survived multiple melt cycles (firn); it's very hard and dense.
On peut encore trouver quelques pentes nord en neige froide au-dessus de 2900/3000 m.
A few north-facing slopes with cold snow can still be found above 2900/3000m.
*Neige froide* (cold snow) means snow that hasn't yet been affected by the melt-freeze cycle (powder or winter-like snow).
Bon regel nocturne, puis reprise de l'humidification en journée.
Good overnight freeze, followed by a resumption of moistening during the day.
This describes the classic 'spring cycle': the snow freezes hard at night (safe) and melts during the day (becoming unstable as it gets wetter).
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
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 : Queyras

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, grande non exclue, 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.

Qualité de la neige

    Enneigement très déficitaire pour une mi-avril, notamment en adrets, souvent secs jusqu'à plus de 2500 m.
Hauteurs de neige observées : 44 cm à la Nivôse du Col Agnel à 2630 m.

Limite d'enneigement skiable : au plus bas à 1900 m en ubacs bien protégés ou sur pistes forestières vers le Briançonnais, plus souvent 2000/2100 m. 

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. On peut encore trouver quelques pentes nord en neige froide au-dessus de 2900/3000 m. Bon regel nocturne, puis reprise de l'humidification en journée.
  

Aperçu météo pour le dimanche 26 avril

nuitmatinaprès-midisoir
Temps calme, largement ensoleillé et chaud. En seconde partie de journée, voile nuageux plus épais. Vers l'Italie, des cumulus, rares averses tardives.
Pluie-Neige----
Iso 0°C3300 m3300 m3200 m3200 m
Vent 2000 m 5 km/h 10 km/h 25 km/h 10 km/h
Vent 3000 m 20 km/h 20 km/h 20 km/h 10 km/h

Epaisseur de neige hors-piste

sam. 25 avril N S 40 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m 0 cm 2500 m 0 cm 2000 m 0 cm 1500 m Altitudes d'enneigement continu : Versant NORD : 2100 m Versant SUD : 2600 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
20302530253035303030352530353515152520101015201515101520
Vent
(km/h)
à 2000m
1020301510203015101530101020251010202055102055102510
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)
120
80
40
0
1055504540404040
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)
3000
2700
2400
2100
1800
1500
1200
900
600
300
0
2000210021002100210021002100 2600260026002600260026002600
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 200-
10
20
09h3 000-
20
30
15h3 000-
30
25
21h2 900-
15
30
lun. 20/0403h2 900-
10
25
09h2 800-
20
30
15h2 900-
30
35
21h3 000-
15
30
mar. 21/0403h2 900-
10
30
09h2 800-
15
30
15h2 900-
30
35
21h2 800-
10
25
mer. 22/0403h2 800-
10
30
09h2 800-
20
35
15h2 6002 300
25
35
21h2 400-
10
15
jeu. 23/0403h2 400-
10
15
09h2 600-
20
25
15h2 800-
20
20
21h3 000-
5
10
ven. 24/0403h3 000-
5
10
09h3 100-
10
15
15h3 200-
20
20
21h3 200-
5
15
sam. 25/0403h3 200-
5
15
09h3 200-
10
10
15h3 200-
25
15
21h3 300-
10
20
Risque
avalanche
Limite enneigement Enneigement à
2000m
Neige fraîche à
1800m
dim. 19/04N : 2 000 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 10 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
lun. 20/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
mar. 21/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
mer. 22/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
jeu. 23/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
ven. 24/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 cm
S : 0 cm
0 cm
sam. 25/04N : 2 100 m
S : 2 600 m
N : 0 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.