Authorities issue avalanche warnings in Northern Iceland’s Tröllaskagi and Flateyjarskagi regions

Authorities in Northern Iceland have issued warnings about the risk of avalanches in the Tröllaskagi and Flateyjarskagi mountain regions. As herders navigate these areas during the sheep round-up season, they are advised to avoid steep, snow-covered slopes where there is a heightened chance of triggering slides.

Recent snowfall in the area, coupled with moving snowdrifts on steep inclines, has contributed to the avalanche hazard. Several avalanches have already been reported, including some in Svarfaðardalur and Héðinsfjörður, where they occurred significantly lower down the mountain slopes.

Experts advise extreme caution for hikers and farmers in these regions. A specialist in avalanche risk assessment has emphasized the danger inherent in traversing slopes where snow accumulates. It is possible for people to inadvertently cause an avalanche while hiking. Although the likelihood of natural slides is currently reduced due to climatic conditions, hikers should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where they might disturb the snowpack.

Even small avalanches can pose serious risks to individuals, especially in steep and rocky landscapes, where falling rocks may increase the dangers. Thus far, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the recent avalanche occurrences, despite a significant number of slides observed.