Swiss Alps face extreme snow and rising avalanche risks this winter

Heavy snowfall has pushed snow depths in Montana, Valais, to nearly double the usual levels for this time of year. Meanwhile, other Swiss regions show mixed conditions, with some areas struggling to meet long-term averages. Avalanche risks remain high as fresh snow settles on unstable layers below.

In Montana, recent snow has brought depths far above the median, creating challenging conditions. Nearby Samedan, however, reports snow levels close to the long-term average. The contrast highlights how uneven this season's snowfall has been across the Alps.

Lower elevations, parts of the Bernese Highlands, and the southern Alpine slopes have received less snow than usual. These regions lag behind historical averages, showing a clear divide between high and low-altitude accumulation.

Forecasters predict another 20 to 40 centimetres of snow above 1,000 metres by Sunday, with some areas possibly seeing even more. Fresh snowfall is expected on Thursday, with the snow line hovering around 1,000 metres. The new snow will add to already unstable layers, keeping avalanche risks critical in many areas.

The coming days will bring more snow, particularly at higher elevations, while lower regions continue to see below-average accumulation. Avalanche warnings remain in place as fresh snow increases instability. Authorities urge caution for anyone travelling in mountainous areas.