Torrential rain has flooded the village of La Berarde, a popular spot for climbers and hikers in the Ecrins National Park in the French Alps. Helicopters evacuated all residents and tourists today.
Heavy rain combined with melting snow (very abundant in the Alps this year) destroyed the bridge over the Torrent de Etançons and cut off the only access into or out of the city. France 3 reported that 97 people were stranded.
The Torrente de Etancons drains the basin and channels meltwater from the peaks of La Meige. Snow usually covers these upper slopes all year round, but this season it is especially deep.
Post of La Berarde flooded on day X this morning.
The helicopters took everyone out of town this morning. “The camps near the Vénéon river were evacuated yesterday and the road is closed after Venosc” AlpineMag reported.
The heart of the Écrin
La Berarde is the favorite base camp for climbers and hikers in the Ecrins National Park in the southern French Alps. From the town, hikers can access mountain huts that often serve as a starting point for some of the region's most coveted peaks. These include the Barre des Ecrins (the only 4,000m peak in the park), the Dome de Neige (an easier summit), Mont Pelvoux, Les Agneaux and the Aiguille Dibona. It is also close to the Serre-Chevalier ski resort.
La Bérarde on Google Maps.
Late spring snowfall dumped huge amounts of snow on the Alps. Torrential rains this week have caused rivers to overflow.
Hikers, not only near La Berarde, should check conditions along the planned routes. Several passes, even in mid-mountain areas, remain covered in snow. Mild temperatures and rain have prevented the snow from hardening overnight, making many areas soft and difficult.
Everest guide Jamie McGuinness, currently on vacation in the Dolomites, noted in a post that several entrances to the via ferratas in the area are still covered in snow. You can check the conditions in Chamonix. here.
