Mont Blanc du Tacul avalanche update
An update on yesterdays article about the avalanche on Mont Blanc du Tacul; the search for the missing guide has been called off for the moment until weather conditions stabilise. The PGHM were ready to continue searching yesterday morning but strong, gusty wind conditions, an unstable snow pack and fresh overnight snow have thus far prevented them from landing in the area. The new snow has already re-covered the area that rescue teams cleared on Sunday and the avalanche risk remains high, at level 4 (out of 5).
More details have since emerged on how the avalanche was triggered. It seems that the missing guide was in charge of 2 teams of climbers; 3 Swiss and 2 Italians. Just below l'epaule du Tacul, the guide instructed the Italians to go slightly ahead and clear the route in the fresh snow. One behind the other, the two teams continued to climb but they were on a windblown slab and it gave way beneath their feet. Both teams were taken about 100m by the slide before it took them clear over the rimaye (about 10m wide). Amazingly, the Italians and one of the Swiss party managed to remain on top of the snow throughout the ordeal and were swiftly rescued by the PGHM. The other 3 were not so fortunate and it took 90 minutes of searching before they found the body of a male climber, and a woman, miraculously still alive. The only indication of the guide's whereabouts was the rope that linked him to his companions which lead rescuers to believe that he must have been taken down the rimaye by the force of the slide.
The injured woman was taken directly to Sallanches hospital suffering from hyperthermia but her condition is now reported to be stable. Sadly the man that died in the avalanche was her husband. The search for the missing guide will resume as soon as conditions stabilise.
Photo credit: Le Dauphiné
