The purpose of this study was to reconstruct spatio-temporal patterns of avalanche events in a forested avalanche path of the Queyras massif (Echalp avalanche path, Southeast French Alps). Analysis of past evnts was based on tree-ring series from 163 heavily affected multi-centennial larch trees (Larix decidua Mill.) near or next to the avalanche path. A total of 514 growth disturbances, such as tangential rows of traumatic resin ducts, the onset of compression wood as well as abrupt growth suppression or release, are identified in the samples indicating 38 destructive snow avalanches between 1338 and 2010. The mean return period of snow avalanches was 22 years with a 4% probability that avalanche occurs in a particular year. On a temporal plan, three maxima In snow avalanche frequency were reconstructed at the beginning of the 16th and 19th centuries and around 1850, correlating with above average winter temperatures and glacier advances. Analysis of the spatial distribution of disturbed trees contributed to the determination of four preferential patterns of avalanche events. The comparison of dendrogeomorphic data with historical records demonstrate that at least 18 events- six of were undocumented- reached the hamlet of Echalp during the last seven centuries, but no significant temporal trend was detected concerning the frequency of these extreme events.