The SLF released the first Avalanche Bulletin for Zwitserland this winter. A summary:
* High Alpine Regions
On the high alpine glaciers more than anywhere else, the new fallen snow is being deposited atop a cohesive, surface-wide snow cover. As a result of strong velocity winds, snowdrift accumulations are being formed which can easily be triggered. These drifted masses are deepest in the central and eastern sectors of the northern flank of the Alps, in northern and central Grisons and in northern Ticino. In those regions, particularly on Wednesday, naturally triggered, in most cases small-sized avalanches are possible in isolated cases. On Thursday and Friday, the hazards of dry avalanches are expected to diminish. Freshly formed snowdrift masses, particularly when they accumulate in shady areas adjacent to ridgelines, need to be ongoingly assessed with supreme caution.
* Weather forecast through Friday
On Tuesday night snowfall is anticipated over widespread areas. The snowfall level in northern regions will drop down to approximately 1400 m; in southern regions down to approximately 1800 m. On Wednesday in northern regions, snowfall is anticipated, in southern regions there will be bright intervals during the afternoon, accompanied by northerly winds. On Thursday, the snowfall will come to an end, including in northeastern regions. Subsequently the skies will brighten continually. In the remaining regions it is expected to be generally sunny.
Between Tuesday evening and Thursday morning above approximately 2500 m, the following amounts of fresh fallen snow are expected:
* central and eastern sectors of the northern flank of the Alps, northern and central Grisons, Ticino: 30 to 50 cm
* remaining parts of the northern flank of the Alps, remaining parts of Grisons: 10 to 30 cm
* Valais: maximum 10 cm
At 2000 m, approximately half the indicated amounts of snowfall can be expected.
As long as the snowfall continues, strong westerly to northwesterly winds will be blowing at high altitudes.
More info:
http://www.slf.ch/lawinenbulletin/lawinengefahr/index_EN...