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MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS 29/06/2019


Some (brief) information for this week of the heatwave.

The snow continues to melt at mid-altitudes.  However, the situation has not changed greatly since the last update.

Good footwear and poles are still needed for the Lac Blanc, Albert 1er hut, Lac du Brévent and the Bellachat hut from the Brevent summit.  

Conditions for the Jonction, Tour des Aiguilles Rouges (Col du Brévent and Salenton), the sector Col Cornu/Col de la Glière/Lacs Noirs, the Buet and the Col de la Terrasse are still not good.  (Only for well experienced and equipped hikers.)

On the Tour du Mont Blanc, there is still a bit of snow at the Col du Bonhomme and Grand Col Ferret. The traverse between Arp Vieille and Checrouit is now fine for people with good footwear and poles. The "Ville des Glaciers" side and the Fours variant are now feasible for experienced, well equipped hikers. On the other hand, the Val d'Arpette variant remains too dangerous.

Some sectors in the Houches and Servoz communes are to be avoided due to numerous fallen trees following a storm a couple of weeks ago. (Col de la Forclaz, Grosses Pierres). The “Pistes et Sentiers” team are busy clearing the paths.

 

For the alpinists, conditions are not as bad as expected.  With the clear skies at night, there is some slight re-freezing.  However, this might change as the forecast is for evening storms over the next days.

The rock routes are the best option, (good conditions in the Argentière, Flammes de Pierres/Charpoua, Couvercle, Leschaux, Envers des Aiguilles, Satellites du Tacul, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Monzino, Dalmazzi sectors...).

Certain classic snow routes remain in reasonable condition, (Aiguille du Tour, Mont Blanc, Aiguille de Bionnassay, Dômes de Miage...). The technical mixed routes, however, are not recommended.

For more precise and up to date information on a specific route, do not hesitate to contact the Office de Haute Montagne directly.

Thank you in advance for sending information on your outings to Chamoniarde, to help them prepare the next conditions update.