The avalanche danger across much of the Swiss Alps has grown considerably due to heavy snowfall combined with rising temperatures.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch
The Davos-based Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) has placed the risk at the second-highest level, “high avalanche danger”, for the entire northern ridge of the Alps.
The SLF warned that “naturally triggered avalanches can be expected… placing at risk exposed transport routes”.
Several mountain roads have already been closed due to the threat. And the rail line connecting cantons Valais and Uri has been closed indefinitely. The classic tourist train, the Glacier Express which travels from Zermatt to Davos and St Moritz, runs on this line.
The SLF said the avalanche danger is expected to recede over the next couple of days as temperatures drop and sunny weather returns.
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.
Read more
More
Rescue service questions new competition
This content was published on
The non-profit Swiss Air Rescue Service (Rega), which is a member of the Swiss Red Cross, has described the motoring association’s offer as superfluous. This week, TCS announced its partnership with Alpine Air Ambulance (AAA), a Zurich-based enterprise. TCS owns a 49 per cent share in AAA, which gives it access to three emergency helicopters…
This content was published on
The police said at least three other people were missing and believed to be buried under the snow from avalanches that killed two ski mountaineers and a doctor involved in the search and rescue operation. It was the first time in the history of the Swiss Air Rescue Service (Rega) that a team member died…
This content was published on
Six people have been reported to the cantonal prosecutor for allegedly setting off avalanches that swept onto pistes in Anzère and Zermatt where people were skiing, the Valais police reported on Monday. “It’s about sending a message that skiers who don’t respect others can be prosecuted,” police spokesman Jean-Marie Bornet told Associated Press. Tragedy was…
This content was published on
Spectacular video of a huge powder avalanche at the Vallée de la Sionne test site in canton Valais, which was set off in 2011 by SLF researchers.
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.