Norway: Authorities issue avalanche warnings across multiple regions Dec. 16-17

The Norwegian avalanche warning service Varsom has issued red-level avalanche warnings (the second-highest level on a five-tier scale) across areas of southern and northern Norway effective Dec. 16-17. Orange warnings are in place in other southern and northern areas. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days. The heightened avalanche threat is due to wet snow and loose snowpack.

As of Dec. 16, Varsom has issued the following avalanche warnings across mainland Norway:

• Red warnings: Indre Fjordane, Indre Sogn, Voss, Ofoten, Salten, Svartisen, and Helgeland

• Orange warnings: Sunmore, Nord-Trondelag, Nordenskiold Land, Lofoten og Vesteralen, Trollheimen, Romsdal, Jotunheimen, Hallingdal, Hardanger, Vest-Telemark, Heiane, Lyngen, Tromso, Sor-Troms, and Indre Troms.

Avalanches could block roads and railway tracks and cause damage to nearby infrastructure with little warning. Power outages could occur in affected areas due to damage to power lines or other electricity supply infrastructure. Due to the heightened avalanche risk, authorities may close some mountain passes and other routes near unstable slopes as a precaution.