Northern French Alps Avalanche Cycle Update – Rapid Warming After Storm Triggers Widespread Instability (February 2026)

Northern French Alps Avalanche Cycle Update – Rapid Warming After Storm Triggers Widespread Instability (February 2026)

Introduction Following several days of heavy snowfall and strong winds across the Northern French Alps, a rapid rise in temperatures — with the freezing level climbing above 3000 metres — has triggered a new phase in the February 2026 avalanche cycle. In the past 72 hours, avalanches have affected both backcountry terrain and managed ski domains across multiple massifs. A full overview of the February avalanche incidents across the Alps can be f…