11.   In neighboring Austria numerous ski areas were closed Monday because of avalanche danger, the Austria Press Agency reported.

12.   In Vorarlberg, the avalanche danger increased significantly, particularly in exposed off-piste areas.

13.   Local avalanche warning commissions were reluctant to reopen roads for fear of persistent avalanche danger in at least three provinces.

14.   Mountain rescue services warned of avalanche danger.

15.   Ms. Peterson said avalanche danger was extremely high in the area because of dramatic temperature changes that can make the snowpack unstable.

16.   Officials with the avalanche warning service in Tyrol and local meteorologists are dispute whether warnings of acute avalanche danger had gone unheeded.

17.   Rudi Mair, an official with the Austrian avalanche warning service in Tyrol, disputed claims that warnings of acute avalanche danger had gone unheeded.

18.   Sudden warming after days of heavy snow and frigid temperatures led authorities to warn hikers and skiers of avalanche danger.

19.   The avalanche danger remained extremely high throughout the Alps.

20.   The avalanche comes within days of a warning of spring avalanche danger.