Fresh wind slabs require caution. In the north and in the east a considerable avalanche danger will be encountered in some regions
Edition: 9.4.2021, 17:00 / Next update: 10.4.2021, 18:00
Snowpack
The fresh fallen snow from the most recent period of precipitation is still loosely-packed on some north-facing slopes above approximately 2200 m more than anywhere else. As a result of approaching foehn-wind influence, this fresh snow will be transported and will generate easily triggerrable snowdrift accumulations. In the central and eastern sectors of the northern flank of the Alps where recent snowfall has been heaviest, these snowdrifts can also grow to larger size. Due to the low temperatures in the early part of the week, the old snowpack is frozen and stable. More deeply embedded inside the snowpack there are hardly any more triggerings possible.
On Saturday, particularly in the northern regions following a night of partially overcast skies and, during the daytime, partially sunny conditions, it is possible that loose-snow slides and avalanches will release in the fresh snow.
Observed weather on Friday, 09.04.2021
It was rather sunny, accompanied by variably cloudy skies.
Fresh snow
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Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, between +2 °C in the western regions and -2 °C in the southern and the eastern regions.
Wind
Winds were westerly to southwesterly,
  • in the southern Valais and on the southern flank of the Alps, as well as in the northern Prealps, blowing predominantly at light strength;
  • in the other regions of Switzerland, blowing predominantly at moderate strength;
  • in the Alpine valleys of the north, gradually intensifying foehn-winds prevailed.
Weather forecast through Saturday, 10.04.2021
On the Main Alpine Ridge and southwards therefrom, skies will be overcast and a small amount of precipitation is anticipated. North of the Main Alpine Ridge it will be partly sunny.
Fresh snow
In the western and central sectors of the Main Alpine Ridge and southwards therefrom, a few centimetres above approximately 1200 m.
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m, in the northern regions +3 °C, in the southern regions -3 °C.
Wind
Winds will be southwesterly,
  • in the western regions blowing predominantly at moderate strength, in the eastern regions at moderate to strong velocity;
  • in the Alpine valleys of the north, blowing at moderate strength; during the course of the day, increasingly strong-velocity foehn wind;
  • in the southern regions, winds will be light.
Outlook through Monday, 12.04.2021
The southern barrier cloud effect is expected to persist. On Sunday along the Main Alpine Ridge and southwards therefrom, skies will be overcast and some precipitation is expected, to some extent spreading over into the northern regions. The snowfall level will lie at 1500 m in the southern regions, at 2000 m in the northern regions. North of the Main Alpine Ridge it will be partly sunny as a result of moderate to strong-velocity foehn wind. On Monday, as a result of a cold front passing through, skies will be heavily overcast in all regions of Switzerland and some precipitation is anticipated, particularly intensive on the Main Alpine Ridge and southwards therefrom. The snowfall level in the southern regions will lie at 1600 m, in the northern regions it will descend to below 1000 m.
Avalanche danger levels in the southern regions will increase somewhat on Sunday, significantly so on Monday. North of the Main Alpine Ridge, avalanche danger levels will increase on Monday.