Seismologists warn of another eruption of the Aiguille Rouge
Seismologists warn of another eruption of the Aiguille Rouge
Published : 01-Apr-2011 10:07
Anyone heading out to Les Arcs (or anywhere close to Bourg St Maurice) this weekend is advised to check with local seismologists before traveling.Following last night's re-awakening of the long-dormant volcano - known locally as l'Aiguille Rouge - unexpected out-flows of molten lava may bring a whole new meaning to the phrases Red and Black pistes.
The view from Arc 2000 this morning
Off Piste Danger
If you're skiing off-piste you should be aware of heightened dangers in the region.
The Head of Safety at Les Arcs, M. Pierre Tirant-la-Jambe, told us that he has raised the Avalanche Risk Level to 6 and the Pyroclastic Flow Risk Level to 3.
In addition, visibility may be poor at times due to alternating white-outs (steam) and black-outs (soot).
Business as Usual
A local bar owner, who identified himself only as "Henri" said "Tant pis. Souhaitez-vous un génépi?".
Ski Hire shops expect to open as usual, although they are highly recommending their new "volcanic damage insurance" for the next few days. In the event of lahars occurring, a number of rafts and kayaks may be available - but please book early.
ESF Ski Lessons will continue as scheduled. In the event of an eruption then the meeting point will be moved to Tignes Le Lac (which, if you've ever seen it without a covering of snow, looks as if it's already been hit by a pyroclastic flow).
The Grande Motte is not expected to erupt in the near future.
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