A favourable avalanche situation will prevail
Edition: 8.3.2022, 17:00 / Next update: 9.3.2022, 18:00
Snowpack
In southern Valais and the inneralpine and southern regions of Grisons, weak layers exist deep in the snowpack. Although these are very severe in some places, no further avalanche releases in such layers have been reported since the end of February. In the other regions the bonding of the snowpack is more favourable.
Clear skies during the night will give rise to a strong crust on the surface of steep south facing slopes up to high altitude zones. On the northern flank of the Alps in particular, individual gliding avalanches can occur. Exceptionally little snow is lying in the south; many measuring stations are recording the lowest ever amounts for this time of year. In view of the thin and in many cases faceted snowpack, on glaciers there is currently an elevated risk of falling into a crevasse, especially in the Zermatt and Saas Fee regions.
Observed weather on Tuesday, 08.03.2022
The night was clear in the north. Dense cloud built up on the southern flank of the Alps. During the day it was cloudy in the south. A few snowflakes fell in some localities. Otherwise it was quite sunny in the mountains despite high-altitude cloudbanks.
Fresh snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m: about -1 °C in the west, -3 °C in the east, and -8 °C in the south
Wind
Mostly light, occasionally moderate at elevated altitudes, from the northeast
Weather forecast through Wednesday, 09.03.2022
After a clear night, it will be sunny during the day.
Fresh snow
-
Temperature
At midday at 2000 m: about -2 °C
Wind
Mostly light
Outlook through Friday, 11.03.2022
The night skies will be clear. Thursday will be sunny, and on Friday high-altitude cloud will build up from the southwest as the day progresses. In the north, a foehn wind will develop on Friday afternoon; in the south, a little precipitation cannot be ruled out.
The avalanche situation will remain favourable. Isolated locations prone to dry avalanches are to be found in particular on very steep shady slopes in the inneralpine regions. In particular north of a line between the Rhone and Rhine, gliding avalanches can occur.