Avalanche strikes Gaustatoppen as extreme weather warning issued

A person was caught in an avalanche on Gaustatoppen mountain on Saturday, while authorities warn of severe weather as storm Dave approaches southern Norway, Dagbladet reports.

Police received reports of a 400-metre-long avalanche on Gaustatoppen around midday. Emergency services, helicopters, and volunteers were deployed to the scene. While responding, a second avalanche occurred, sweeping away one person who managed to free themselves.

“He slid over 100 metres but appears unharmed and is moving down the mountain,” said police operations leader Landsrød. The individual will undergo a health check.

Authorities have issued a strict warning against all travel in the area, urging people to avoid parking near the rescue base at Heishuset to allow emergency vehicles access. “We ask visitors not to obstruct rescue efforts,” the operations leader stated.

Storm Dave prompts safety measures

Meanwhile, extreme weather system Dave is expected to hit Norway on Sunday, with red-level warnings issued for parts of Rogaland and Agder. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute forecasts wind gusts of up to 45 m/s in coastal areas and severe winds across southern Norway.

At the Red Cross station in Sirdal, around 40 people have gathered, with some delaying their return home due to the storm. “We follow Red Cross guidelines and avoid unnecessary risks,” said Eirik Sivertsen of the station. He stressed that rescue teams will not deploy recklessly during the storm.

Sivertsen expressed concern that some may still venture into the mountains despite warnings. “We hope people have heeded the alerts,” he said, noting that ski lifts in Sirdal have already closed.

The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has also urged caution, advising hikers to descend from exposed areas. “This is a violent storm that can endanger those outdoors,” said DNT director Henning Hoff Wikborg, encouraging travellers to postpone trips.