Andorra's Coex and Firefighters Detonate Avalanches After Heavy Snowfall

Andorra's Cos d'Operacions Especials (Coex) and firefighters carried out preventive avalanche detonations across multiple sites on Monday morning following heavy weekend snowfall. The operations, conducted between 10am and 3pm, targeted areas including La Guardiola, Bassers dels Corbs, Laverdú, Ransol, Sorteny, and La Gavatxa to reduce snow buildup on mountain slopes.

Helicopter footage captured dramatic scenes at Ransol and Sorteny, showing long tongues of snow cascading down hillsides and carrying large volumes of debris. Firefighters executed 13 blasts in these and other zones, where accumulations exceeded 40cm in places like Sorteny.

The actions come amid a red alert (level 4 out of 5) for avalanche risk issued by the meteorological service for all slopes. Rising temperatures overnight, combined with expected high-altitude rain on Tuesday morning, are forecast to trigger numerous wet snow avalanches starting in the early hours. Officials warn of large and locally very large natural slides, particularly on shady slopes where weak faceted crystal layers deep in the snowpack could release easily. Peak activity may occur by midday, with recent wind-blown accumulations near summits especially vulnerable. Rain above 2,000m could further destabilise the snow mantle across orientations.

Authorities strongly advise against mountain excursions and may impose temporary closures on exposed roads, particularly overnight, due to risks of slope failures. The meteorological service emphasised maximum vigilance as humidification spreads through the snowpack.