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Residents and visitors of Almaty are strongly advised to postpone any mountain excursions. The Ile-Alatau National Park has declared the highest level of avalanche danger, a 'red' alert, due to current conditions.

The risk of avalanches occurring spontaneously or triggered by human activity is exceptionally high. According to the national park's press service, avalanches are likely to descend along almost all popular routes.

Specific Danger Period

The heightened avalanche risk is particularly pronounced in the mountainous regions from February 27th to March 1st. Travelers are urged to avoid the following areas:

Park officials emphasize that venturing into the mountains for hiking, mountaineering, or freeriding during this period is life-threatening. The instability of the snowpack makes accurate assessment difficult, making it crucial to heed official warnings.

Recent Incidents Underscore Danger

This warning comes after three significant avalanche incidents were recorded in the Almaty mountains in February, which could have resulted in serious harm to tourists and snowboarders.

On February 16th, a snowboarder was caught in an avalanche near the Shymbulak resort, off the prepared slopes. Fortunately, the individual managed to free themselves with assistance and was rescued unharmed.

A more serious incident occurred on February 22nd near Sukhoi Log, where an avalanche buried a tourist. Rescuers provided immediate aid and transported the individual to a medical facility, where they are reported to be out of danger.

On the same day, a group of four people was caught in an avalanche at the Titov Pass. While one person managed to escape on their own, another individual could not be rescued.