Storm Ingrid Triggers Avalanche Alerts and Road Closures in Andorra and France

French authorities reopened the RN22 from Pas de la Casa at 14:30 on Monday following multiple closures caused by storm Ingrid, including one at 20:00 on Sunday evening after a short morning reopening. The RN320 at Coll de Puymorens remained closed, with winter tyres or chains required on RN22, RN20 and RN320. Trucks over 19 tonnes were banned, and drivers were urged to maintain low speeds due to residual snow.

Protecció Civil d'Andorra maintained a nationwide level 4 avalanche prealert—indicating strong risk on a 1-5 scale—through midday Tuesday. Winds reaching 120km/h at locations such as Sorteny and Tossa d'Espiolets had formed dangerous slabs, particularly in Pal, Ordino, Arcalís, El Serrat and Sant Julià de Lòria. Overnight accumulations measured 10-30cm across elevations, including 38cm at Sorteny and 26cm at Envalira antennas. Further weak snowfalls began at midday from 1,200m, descending to 900m, expected to deposit 30-35cm on peaks near the French border, 20-25cm at 2,500m, 15-20cm at 2,000m, 10-15cm at 1,500m, 5cm at 1,200m and up to 3cm below. Peak intensity occurred overnight, easing Monday morning but potentially continuing until mid-morning, with winds reducing visibility in higher parishes. A yellow alert stayed active for snow, 70km/h winds and poor visibility, though precipitation was fading Monday afternoon ahead of overnight intensification. Temperatures ranged from -11°C lows at Pas de la Casa to 2°C highs in Andorra la Vella.

Ordino Arcalís remained closed all Monday owing to heavy snow accumulation and extreme avalanche risk, despite clear skies attracting tourists. Grandvalira Resorts offered Nord Pass holders access to Pal Arinsal or Grandvalira, along with vouchers for lifts, station services and ski or snowboard rentals valid this season or next. Compensation applied only to station services and equipment rentals, excluding accommodation or off-site activities. The closure emphasised safety for users and staff amid unmanageable piste conditions.

Monday brought heavy traffic, police equipment checks and black-phase restrictions on CG-2 at Coma de Ransol and CG-3 to Arcalís due to stranding and avalanche threats. Yellow phases affected CG-2 from Port d’Envalira, CG-3 from Ordino or El Serrat, CG-4 from Pal and Coll de la Botella, and CG-5 from Erts. Congestion mounted on CG-2 into Encamp, CG-3 and CG-4 at Massana, and CG-1 at Avinguda Salou. School ski trips were suspended amid delays exceeding 30 minutes; eight buses halted at Dos Valires, with high-parish routes paused for chains. One driver suffered an ankle fracture near Sant Andreu-Creu Grossa while assisting pupils. Transport services advanced early routes by 15 minutes via SMS and planned extra buses from high areas for Tuesday. Public Function encouraged teleworking to reduce road pressure. Mobilitat's website failed at 09:15 under a million queries but restored maps by 09:52, with updates moving to social media. Minor incidents included Canillo crashes and stalls without major injuries.

COEX teams conducted controlled avalanches at sites including Arcalís-Les Fonts, Ransol, Pas de la Casa, Guardiola, Bassers dels Corbs, Laverdú, Sorteny and Gavatxa, supported by firefighters with 13 blasts from 10:00 to 15:00. Additional preventive actions targeted exposed areas as conditions evolved.

Authorities advised checking the Mobility app, limiting trips to essentials, prioritising piste routes and carrying off-piste safety gear including DVA, shovel and probe. Pas de la Casa businesses reported slow recovery after three stormy days. The Servei Meteorològic warned of escalating wet snow avalanche risks into Tuesday due to rising temperatures and rain above 2,000m, potentially triggering large natural slides, especially on shady slopes with weak faceted layers. Mountain excursions remained strongly discouraged.