Weather
The Swiss Alps witnessed record snowfall over the 17/18 season, making it one to remember. After three consecutive low snow years, they were hit with a season that is anticipated only once every 75 years. Snowfall reached up to 740cm in places like Engelberg, twice the normal average, making it the most impressive winter since 1999.
The WSL Institute of Snow and Alavanche Research SLF reviewed the 17/18 season and deemed it as one of the snowiest winters of the last 30 years.
“The long-standing measuring stations in Saas-Fee and Zermatt recorded the highest January total new snow values since measurements commenced more than 70 years ago (204 and 210 respectively).”
They also received reports of more than 250 destructive avalanches and posted the highest avalanche danger (5: very high) over widespread areas. There were 26 avalanche related deaths reported over the winter season due to the hazardous conditions the heavy snowfall created. Needless to say, the Swiss are probably happy to see the seasons changing this year.
