Avalanche
Swiss federal authorities have declared the highest possible avalanche danger level—Level 5—for several regions of the canton of Wallis/Valais, warning of an “extraordinary avalanche situation” following heavier-than-expected snowfall overnight.
The Level 5 alert applies to the regions of Val d’Entremont–Val Ferret, Emosson, Conthey–Fully, Montana, Leukerbad–Lötschental, Riederalp, and Konkordia. Cantonal officials say the combination of massive fresh snowfall and strong winds has created highly unstable conditions across large swaths of the southern Swiss Alps.
According to the federal government and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, many very large and extremely large spontaneous avalanches are expected. These slides could exceed the size and reach of known avalanche paths and potentially impact roads and settlements on valley floors.
Level 5 is the most severe rating on Switzerland’s five-step avalanche danger scale. It signals that:
- Numerous very large natural avalanches are expected
- Extremely large avalanches are possible
- Avalanches may release deeper layers of the snowpack
- Typical avalanche paths may extend to unusually low elevations
- Exposed transportation routes and settlements are at risk
The SLF reported that more snow fell overnight than originally forecast. Combined with wind-drifted snow, the fresh accumulations are described as “very prone to triggering.” In these conditions, avalanches can break through multiple layers of the snowpack, increasing both their size and destructive potential.
Authorities warn that avalanches could reach low altitudes, particularly along well-known avalanche corridors, and may threaten exposed roads and infrastructure.
Surrounding regions are under Level 4 (“High”) avalanche danger. While slightly below the maximum rating, Level 4 still represents very dangerous conditions. In these areas:
- Large amounts of fresh and wind-drifted snow remain highly unstable
- Numerous very large natural avalanches are expected
- Individual extremely large avalanches remain possible
- Exposed transportation routes are endangered in most cases
- Some exposed settlements may also be at risk
On Sunday afternoon, a 38-year-old snowboarder was buried and killed by an avalanche in Davos, Switzerland, on Sunday afternoon, February 15. The Swiss man was boarding in an off-piste area of the resort. The avalanche could be seen from the resort cable cars.
Backcountry Travel Strongly Discouraged
Authorities are urging the public to avoid backcountry touring and all off-piste activities outside marked and open ski runs. Even experienced backcountry travelers are advised to stay away from avalanche terrain until conditions stabilize.
With additional precipitation possible and snowpack layers under significant stress, forecasters caution that the situation could remain critical in the coming days. Residents and travelers in affected regions are encouraged to monitor official avalanche bulletins and follow instructions from local authorities.
