On Sunday, April 20th in the afternoon, a spectacular avalanche erupted at the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Hautes-Pyrénées, a remarkable place listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Captured live by the webcam of the Cirque and Cascade hotel, the snow slide was shared the very next day by Météo Pyrénées, causing quite a stir on social media.
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Although the Pyrenees are no longer under avalanche alert, conditions remain tricky at high altitudes. The thick snowpack, weakened by significant snowfall followed by a marked thaw, remains unstable. In this context, ski tourers and mountain walkers are urged to exercise the utmost caution.
The avalanche caused no injuries. The phenomenon, while impressive, did not affect any hikers or infrastructure. Yet it strongly reminds us of the raw power of the mountains. Victor Hugo referred to the Cirque de Gavarnie as a “colosseum of nature”. This weekend, this majestic site once again showcased all of its grandeur — and the unpredictability — of its wild character.