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Avalanches are becoming more frequent. Here’s why

Moment avalanche rushes down Alps mountain as skiers watch on

Europe's Alps are experiencing a surge in deadly avalanches, with 88 fatalities recorded this season, including significant numbers in Italy, Switzerland, and France.
Weather agencies across the continent have issued severe avalanche alerts, with Italy's risk level at 4 out of 5 in several Alpine regions.
Experts attribute the increased risk to an “exceptionally unstable” snowpack this winter, characterised by a “persistent weak layer” of fragile, sugary snow beneath heavy snowfall.
Researchers also warn that climate change contributes to the problem by causing more intense snowfall at higher altitudes and increasing the likelihood of denser, more impactful 'wet' avalanches.
The growing popularity of off-piste skiing is a significant factor, as 90 to 95 per cent of avalanche victims trigger the slides themselves, often due to a failure to heed warnings and adapt behaviour to dangerous conditions.