Consistently hot temperatures have led to a rapid deterioration in conditions for the crossing of the 'Grand Couloir' on Mont Blanc's 'Gouter Route'.

Little snow now remains in the Couloir and there have been multiple accidents due to both stonefall and slips on loose rock. Most of the observed rockfall yesterday seemed to be initiated by the small meltwater streams generated by the rapid thawing of the remaining snow patches.

After a cool night and a frozen snowpack things were a lot quieter this morning but the rockfall is sure to start again as the hot temperatures return later on today. We made the decision to return back down the mountain and not take the risk of crossing in the current conditions.

With much of the summer still remaining hopefully things will improve once all the remaining snow has gone and totally dry conditions prevail.