Massive Avalanche Closes Siglufjörður Road After Sweeping Into Sea

2026-03-14 - 12:55

A major avalanche has forced the closure of the road to Siglufjörður in northern Iceland after a large mass of snow swept across the route and into the sea. The slide occurred last night near Selskál, just outside the town of Siglufjörður, on the Tröllaskagi peninsula. According to the information from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the avalanche travelled down the mountainside, crossed the road and continued out to the coastline. What's This Story? Large avalanche from Selskál crossed Siglufjörður Road and reached the sea near Siglufjörður, northern Iceland Road closed following the avalanche; authorities monitoring conditions Around or over 100mm of recent precipitation recorded in Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður; avalanche risk level set to “uncertainty” by the Icelandic Meteorological Office An avalanche in Hnífsdalur, Westfjords. Photo: Halldór Sveinbjönsson. Officials from the Icelandic Meteorological Office say the event ranks among the largest recorded in the area. As reported by the agency, there was over 100 millimetres accumulated precipitation in Siglufjörður and Ólafsfjörður in recent days. A “level of uncertainty” has been declared. Residents of one house located in rural Siglufjörður have been asked to leave while conditions are monitored. Meanwhile, the road remains closed while conditions are assessed and crews keep an eye on the mountainside for further movement. Authorities are urging drivers to follow road closure notices and monitor official updates while weather and snow conditions remain unsettled.