The avalanche danger level in large parts of the central and eastern Swiss Alps has been lowered from the maximum (level 5) to “high” (level 4), as heavy snowfalls abated on Tuesday.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Conditions for snow sports, however, remain dangerous above 2,000 metres in off-piste areas. The Davos-based Institute for Snow and AvalancheExternal link (SLF), which issues daily avalanche bulletins, said on Tuesday that conditions for off-piste skiing were “very critical”. Individuals could still trigger large avalanches, which may also be set off spontaneously, it said, adding that this risk had decreased since the end of the heavy snows on Tuesday.
In a rare move on Monday, SLF issued its highest avalanche risk rating of “level 5”External link (very high) covering a swathe of central and eastern Switzerland, which included major winter tourism areas like Davos, Klosters, Grindelwald, Engelberg, Andermatt and Disentis.
According to SLF, a level 5 risk means that “numerous very large and extremely large natural avalanches can be expected. These can reach roads and settlements in the valley”. The SLF warns people not to engage in winter sports beyond open ski runs and trails.
Heavy snow
Between Monday and Tuesday, 40-70 centimetres of fresh snow fell in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden Alps. Above 2,000 m, snow layers of 2.5-3.5 metres are the norm. This year, in the Bernese Oberland, Gotthard region and Glarus Alps, snow has fallen to a depth of 4-5 metres.
Eastern Switzerland and canton Graubünden have seen exceptional snowfall with levels more than twice the seasonal norm. At the mountain resort of Arosa in canton Graubünden, the snow depth measures 2 metres, which has not happened in 70 years.
Conditions remain dangerous. On Tuesday, a 20-year-old Swedish woman died in an avalanche while skiing with a group off piste above Haute Nendaz in canton Valais.
Last Thursday, a 300-metre-wide avalanche swept down the Schwägalp in canton Appenzell Outer Rhodes in northeastern Switzerland, burying over 25 vehicles in a car park and crashing into a restaurant. Three people were injured. Earlier this month, two people were killed and one injured in separate avalanches in ski regions.
Train services have also been affected by the heavy snow. In canton Graubünden, the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) continues to encounter problems. Traffic was again interrupted on Tuesday morning between Klosters and Davos after trees fell on the line. A bus service is in place. Buses also replaced trains between Davos and Filisur due to the avalanche dangers.
Between cantons Valais and Uri, the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn trains are again up and running between Niederwald and Oberwald. However, the Realp-Andermatt line remains closed.
More
More
What’s the real risk from avalanches?
This content was published on
After an avalanche entered a hotel, what are the risks in Switzerland and how are such hazards monitored?
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
This content was published on
Swiss wheelchair racer Catherine Debrunner won the 5,000 metres to bring home Switzerland’s first gold medal at the Paralympics in Paris.
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
One dead and highest alert level for avalanche risk in Switzerland
This content was published on
Large swathes of the eastern Switzerland, including the popular ski resort of Davos, have been declared at maximum risk of avalanches.
This content was published on
Switzerland and Austria have been awarded coveted Unesco intangible cultural heritage status for their management of avalanche risks.
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.