Three skiers escaped without serious injury after being hit by an avalanche in Botnsdalur valley by Súgandafjörður fjord in the West Fjords last night, RÚV reports. The fourth skier managed to bypass the avalanche. Two of the skiers were transported to hospital, and one of them stayed there overnight.
Chief Superintendent Hlynur Hafberg Snorrason stated that the avalanche was reported to the emergency phone line 112 after 7 pm last night. Four experienced skiers were practicing on the slope. He said the men did not suffer any bone fractures.
The avalanche hit far from populated areas, and Hlynur said it served as a reminder that people must be careful and should follow weather forecasts closely, not least those regarding avalanche risk.
According to the Icelandic Met Office, the risk of avalanche is considerable in three areas right now: the northern part of the West Fjords, in Tröllaskagi in the north and in the East Fjords.
