Overnight storms resulted in heavy snowfall in mountainous regions.
SRF-SWI
Several areas of Switzerland are at elevated risk of avalanches as overnight storms left their mark. Some rail services have been disrupted, particularly in the southeastern part of the country.
The Institute for Snow and Avalanche ResearchExternal link (SLF) has warned of a high risk of spontaneous avalanches in several alpine areas in a band from the French-speaking canton Valais, through central Switzerland into eastern areas. Several areas have been issued with a level four avalanche risk assessment – rated as the second highest category.
The risk is greatest at heights between 2,000 and 2,400 metres where snowfall was also mixed with rain. Skiers are being warned not to venture off-piste in case they trigger an avalanche. On Sunday night and into Monday morning wind speeds reached hurricane force on some mountain tops.
Some rail links have been disrupted as a result, mainly between central Switzerland and the southeast corner of the country in canton Graubünden. Connections between the popular ski resorts of Andermatt and Disentis have only been running sporadically.
The stormy weather began to calm on Monday afternoon and is expected to improve over the next few days. SLF predicts that the risk of avalanches will decline as a result.
Popular Stories
More
Climate change
The international consequences of a glacier-free Switzerland
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
What factors should be taken into account when inheriting Swiss citizenship abroad?
Should there be a limit to the passing on of Swiss citizenship? Or is the current practice too strict and it should still be possible to register after the age of 25?
‘Pressure will increase on Switzerland to invest more in defence’
This content was published on
Markus Mäder, Switzerland's state secretary for security policy, believes that more cooperation is needed in order to strengthen defence in Europe.
Just one in five Swiss attend a religious service at Easter
This content was published on
Only one in five people in Switzerland attend a religious service during the Easter period or give up meat or alcohol for at least one day of fasting. Around 25% of those polled see Easter primarily as a family holiday, according to the survey.
Major road disruptions continue after heavy snowfall in parts of Switzerland
This content was published on
The snowfall has ended in the southern Swiss canton of Valais, the cantonal emergency services said on Friday. Several roads, however, remain closed.
Swiss businessman gets prison term for asbestos deaths
This content was published on
Stephan Schmidheiny has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison by the Turin Court of Appeal in a case against the former Eternit executive over deaths linked to asbestos exposure in Italy.
This content was published on
Swiss imports and exports reached new heights in the first quarter, driven by the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. Shipments to the US rose sharply.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The Swiss dog that conquers hearts
This content was published on
The Saint Bernard, featured in everything from Christmas cards to glass-blown ornaments, is a giant bundle of joy and a symbol of Switzerland.
This content was published on
Switzerland and Austria have been awarded coveted Unesco intangible cultural heritage status for their management of avalanche risks.
Avalanche prediction model a boon for rescuers and filmmakers
This content was published on
A Swiss researcher has created a 3D model of the workings of so-called ‘snow slab’ avalanches that could help to better predict their extent.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.