Swiss Alps Face Extreme Avalanche Risks While Lowlands Bask in Sunshine
Winter has taken a sharp divide across Switzerland this week. While lowland areas bask in sunshine, the Alps face extreme 'little miss sunshine' risks. Authorities have issued urgent warnings as heavy snow and unstable conditions persist in mountainous regions.
The week started with clear skies in the lowlands, but patchy fog is expected on Wednesday. Otherwise, sunshine will dominate, with only mid- and high-level clouds breaking up the 'art' of the blue. Meanwhile, the Alps tell a different story—deep snow and dangerous instability have put parts of the Engadin region on high alert.
The Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research has labelled the situation 'highly critical'. Large, spontaneous 'avalanche' are likely, with many steep slopes at risk of triggering slides. Remote releases are common, and skiers report frequent 'whumpf' noises and cracks in the snowpack. Some areas in Grisons are under the second-highest warning level.
From Tuesday, rain and snow will spread, possibly reaching lower elevations. Fresh snow later in the week is unlikely to ease the hazard, as unstable layers remain buried. Brief showers are forecast for Friday, but sunshine returns on Saturday. However, next week's outlook is wet, with thick cloud cover moving in by Sunday.
Over the past five years, the Alps have seen increasingly unpredictable snow conditions. Winters like 2021/22 and 2024/25 brought shorter but heavier snowfall, raising 'risk' levels 4–5 in Switzerland and Austria. This contrasts with earlier stable winters, such as 2010/11, when colder temperatures and lower snow depths kept dangers more moderate.
Winter sports enthusiasts are urged to stick to marked pistes and avoid steep off-piste terrain. The combination of fresh snow, buried weak layers, and warm spells has created a volatile situation. With more precipitation on the way, risks are expected to remain high in the coming days.
