A favourable early-morning avalanche situation will prevail. As the day progresses, individual wet avalanches are possible
Edition: 4.4.2021, 17:00 / Next update: 5.4.2021, 18:00
Snowpack
Snowfall levels in the northern regions lie at 800 to 1200 m, in the southern regions at 1200 to 1800 m. On south-facing slopes the snowfall levels lie approximately 500 m higher up; in the southern valleys of Visp, higher up still in some places.
The snowpack is thoroughly wet on south-facing and west-facing slopes below approximately 3200 m, on east-facing slopes below approximately 2800 m, and on north-facing slopes below approximately 1800 m. During Sunday night when skies will be clear, a melt-freeze crust capable of bearing loads will be generated on east-facing, south-facing and west-facing slopes. As a result of daytime warming and solar radiation on Easter Monday, isolated wet-snow avalanches are possible during the course of the day.
On high-altitude north-facing slopes, isolated dry-snow avalanches can still be triggered.
Observed weather on Sunday, 04.04.2021
Following a night of clear skies, it was sunny during the daytime.
Fresh snow
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Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, between +3 °C in the western regions and -2 °C in the eastern regions.
Wind
Winds were blowing at light to moderate strength from the northeast, intermittently at strong velocity in the Jura region.
Weather forecast through Monday, 05.04.2021
Nighttime skies will be clear. On Easter Monday it will be sunny to begin with. During the afternoon cloud cover will move in from the northwest. However, it is expected to remain dry.
Fresh snow
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Temperature
At midday at 2000 m in the Valais and on the southern flank of the Alps, +2 °C, in the other regions of Switzerland 0 °C.
Wind
Winds during the nocturnal hours will be blowing predominantly at light strength, during the daytime at moderate to strong velocity, from westerly directions.
Outlook through Wednesday, 07.04.2021
On Monday night, precipitation will set in over widespread areas. The snowfall level will rapidly descend down to low lying areas. On Tuesday and on Wednesday in the northern regions, skies will be predominantly overcast accompanied by snowfall. On the northern flank of the Alps, 30 to 50 cm of fresh snow is possible. As as result of moderate to strong-velocity northerly winds, it will remain very cold. On the southern flank of the Alps it will be quite sunny and dry, as a result of the northerly wind.
The danger of dry-snow avalanches will increase significantly on the northern flank of the Alps in particular. Wet-snow and gliding avalanches are no longer likely.