The presence of névés in the mountains represents a common challenge for hikers, especially in spring and early summer. These persistent snow accumulations, often found above 1,500 meters in altitude or on north-facing slopes, can pose significant risks. Preparation and knowledge of best practices are essential to reduce dangers when crossing a névé.
Definition and characteristics of a névé
A névé is an accumulation of snow that remains after spring melting, generally at altitude or in areas with little sun exposure. Its structure, denser and more compact than fresh snow, sometimes resembles ice, especially in the morning when temperatures are low. This phenomenon is common in French mountain ranges such as the Alps, the Jura, or the Vosges, where névés can still be found until the end of summer.
Risks related to crossing a névé
The main danger when crossing a névé lies in the risk of falling and slipping. On slopes steeper than 30%, it becomes almost impossible to stop without appropriate equipment. A slip can lead the hiker into hazardous areas such as ravines, rock bars, or scree fields. The snow can also hide streams or crevasses, increasing the risk of passing through a fragile layer.
Criteria for identifying a dangerous névé
Several elements help assess the danger level of a névé:
- What lies beneath the névé: possible presence of a stream or crevasses.
- The downstream side of the névé: existence of obstacles below (cliff, scree, etc.).
- Type of snow: icy snow in the morning, soft at the end of the day.
- Slope of the névé: the steeper the slope, the higher the risk of slipping.
Preparation and route choice
Before any hike, it is recommended to consult specialized sites such as Sentineige.fr or the bulletins from Météo France to obtain updated information on snow coverage. These tools help identify the potential presence of névés on the planned route and anticipate risky areas.
Essential equipment for crossing a névé
Using appropriate equipment is essential to ensure safety when crossing a névé. The two main items to prioritize are:
- Ice axe: allows stopping a fall and securing a solid anchor.
- Crampons: improve grip on hard or icy snow.
Trekking poles can provide additional support but do not allow stopping a slide. It is advisable to choose crampons that are lightweight and easy to fit, suitable for summer hiking.
| Equipment | Model | Weight (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Ice axe | Camp Corsa Race | 185 |
| Ice axe | Petzl Ride | 240 |
| Crampons | Camp Icemaster Run | 170 |
| Crampons | Petzl Leopard FL | 360 |
| Crampons | Quechua SH500 Mountain Light | 230 |
Techniques for crossing a névé
Before entering a névé, it is advisable to assess the possibility of bypassing it without exposing oneself to other risks (steep slope, unstable terrain). If crossing is unavoidable, it is recommended to follow the track left by other hikers or to create firm steps using feet and the pole or ice axe.
How to stop a fall with an ice axe?
In case of a fall, the reflex is to roll onto your stomach, head pointing uphill, and to plant the blade of the ice axe in the snow at shoulder height.
If crampons are worn, it is necessary to lift the feet to avoid an uncontrolled rollover. Mastering these moves requires specific training, ideally with a mountain professional.
Practical safety advice
To limit risks when crossing a névé, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- Do not go alone when hiking in névé zones.
- Give up if conditions do not allow safe crossing or bypassing.
- Check snow coverage before departure.
- Prefer the summer period (July-August) to reduce the presence of névés in mid and high mountains.
Conclusion
Crossing a névé in the mountains requires vigilance, preparation, and appropriate equipment. The risks of slipping and falling are real, especially on steep slopes or in case of icy snow.
The use of an ice axe and crampons, as well as knowledge of safety techniques, are essential to move safely on this type of terrain. Rigorous preparation and evaluation of conditions on site allow one to enjoy the mountains while minimizing dangers.
