Valais buried under record snow as avalanche risks hit extreme levels
Valais has experienced unusually heavy snowfall this week, pushing snow and avalanche risks to extreme levels. Several regions briefly reached the highest alert level of five, while others remained under 'considerable' to 'high' warnings as of Friday. The deep snow has disrupted ski operations and drawn widespread attention beyond the usual winter sports community.
On February 20, a weather station in La Creusaz, Valais, measured 235 centimetres of snow—the deepest snowpack recorded on that date in 37 years. The Swiss Association for Natural Hazards, using data from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), confirmed the record. Nearby, the Montana (VS) station at 1,590 metres reported 177 centimetres of snow, with 134 centimetres falling in just seven days, nearing an all-time high.
Ski resorts in Les Marécottes and Crans-Montana temporarily closed slopes due to the heightened snow and avalanche danger. The persistent snowfall and warnings have kept authorities and residents on alert throughout the week.
Beyond Switzerland, Austria saw strong snowfall on Thursday, February 19, as a low-pressure system moved over northern Italy. Up to 20 centimetres of fresh snow blanketed Vienna and the eastern lowlands. However, rising temperatures over the weekend are expected to bring spring-like conditions by next week. Meanwhile, Italy's Kronplatz region in South Tyrol reported cloudy skies on February 20, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 11°C, though no recent snowfall totals were provided.
The record snow depths in Valais have set new benchmarks for mid-February, with multiple measurement stations logging unprecedented levels. While Switzerland grapples with ongoing snow and avalanche risks, neighbouring regions face shifting weather patterns, from heavy snow to rapid warming. The situation continues to impact travel, tourism, and safety measures across the Alps.
