5 hikers were injured on the peak of Säntis mountain in northeastern Swiss Alps Saturday after an avalanche was triggered around 3pm.
Several people were hit by the slide, some of whom were swept 100 meters downhill according to thelocal.ch. 3 helicopters and massive rescue party were deployed to transport the injured to hospital. Thankfully there were no fatalities.
A recent heat wave could be the cause of the avalanche conditions according to Swiss meteorologist Philippe Jeanneret. He had this to say about heat effecting stability at altitude.
“When temperatures at altitudes over 2,500 metres rise above 10-12 degrees Celsius (50-54 degrees Fahrenheit), the permafrost begins melting, which favours rock slides.”
We should all use this as a reminder that avalanche conditions persist year round in the mountains and we need to remain vigilant throughout the summer months of their danger.
[images from wikipedia]
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