Arctic Avalanche Search Concluded in Svalbard, No Casualties Found

Longyearbyen, Svalbard – November 8, 2025 – Authorities on the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard called off a comprehensive search operation Saturday evening after an avalanche struck near its main settlement, Longyearbyen, confirming no individuals were believed to be caught in the snowslide.

Hanne Selnes Duna, chief superintendent for the Governor of Svalbard, confirmed the decision to halt operations, stating there were “no indications that people have been taken by the avalanche.” All known hiking parties who were in the area at the time have been accounted for, eliminating concerns for missing persons.

Emergency Response Amidst Harsh Conditions

The extensive search was launched earlier in the afternoon after the Governor’s office received a report around 4:12 p.m. local time about a snowslide in Tverrdalen, a valley situated just outside Longyearbyen. Initial observations of tracks both entering and exiting the avalanche path, which stretched approximately 200 meters long and was more than two meters deep in places, prompted immediate concern for potential missing individuals.

Responding swiftly to the alert, the Governor’s police, local fire services, the Red Cross, and specialized Norwegian rescue dog teams were deployed to the scene. Two helicopters were also scrambled, though severe winds and heavy snowfall significantly hampered their ability to operate effectively and safely.

The search was briefly paused around 7:10 p.m. due to the worsening weather. Chief Superintendent Erlend Kofstad explained that the decision was made for safety reasons as a storm brought strong winds and fresh snowfall. Weather stations reported wind speeds of 11 meters per second (approximately 25 mph) at Svalbard Airport, escalating to a strong gale of 19.1 meters per second (approximately 43 mph) on nearby Platåberget, with gusts reaching 23.7 meters per second (approximately 53 mph).

Public Cooperation Crucial

Earlier in the day, authorities had issued a public appeal for anyone who had been hiking or traveling in the Tverrdalen area to report their whereabouts. This proactive measure played a crucial role in helping rescue coordinators confirm that all known groups were safe and accounted for.

Avalanches are a recurring hazard in Svalbard’s rugged, Arctic terrain, especially during periods of volatile weather and significant snowfall. The rapid deployment of a comprehensive search and rescue operation, even without casualties, underscores the critical importance of safety protocols and robust emergency response capabilities in this remote polar region, which is home to a unique international community living on the frontier of human habitation.