At the north east high end of the Chamonix Valley, the Nantet torrent runs off the Possettes and goes through a culvert, under the road to Le Tour, and then to a confluence with the Arve river. Since the 15 November 2023, the torrent has been very active, carrying a lot of material, occasionally too much for the culvert to carry, causing the torrent to flow over the road.
On the morning of Sunday 19th November, the volume of the torrent increased significantly. It was carrying so much material, that it became a mudslide. Unable to flow under the road, it rose up and flowed over the road, leaving a wide and deep deposit of mud, stones and other detritus on the road.
The access road to the village of Le Tour is blocked and closed, isolating about forty permanent inhabitants.
Work is ongoing to clear the mud but the torrent is still very active.
At the beginning of the winter season, the domain named Balme is usually popular with ski tourers. Their primary access is from the village of Le Tour with its large car park, both of which are now inaccessible.
For the moment, sealskin lovers have to make alternative plans.
Le Dauphiné
