The snowfall warnings are primarily issued for widespread precipitation. The warning threshold values in category 2 and 3 for lowland areas differ according to region. Snowfall warnings are issued for levels 2 – 5.

Meaning of danger level 2 (moderate danger)

There is a danger of icy conditions due to snow-covered roads.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Check that your car is suitable to drive in winter (winter tyres).
• Drive carefully on the road owing to icy conditions.
• Check the daily avalanche bulletin and the additional information provided by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF.

Additional information

• Snowfall in lowland areas of German-speaking Switzerland: 10-15 cm/24h; 20-35 cm/48h; 30-50 cm/72h
• Snowfall in lowlands of Western Switzerland and south of the Alps: 8-12 cm/24h; 20-35 cm/48h; 30-50 cm/72h
• Snowfall in the mountains: 20-40 cm/24h; 35-70 cm/48h; 50-100 cm/72h

Meaning of danger level 3 (considerable danger)

Road, rail and air travel may be disrupted. Branches may break off under the weight of the snowload. The usability of roads may deteriorate significantly.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Stay away from forests and trees – danger of falling trees or branches under the weight of the snow.
• Drive carefully on roads due to the risk of accidents.
• Be aware of rooftop avalanches.
• Check the daily avalanche bulletin and the additional information provided by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF.

Additional information

• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowland areas of German-speaking Switzerland: 15-30 cm/24h; 35-50 cm/48h; 50-70 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowlands of Western Switzerland and south of the Alps: 12-30 cm/24h; 35-50 cm/48h; 50-70 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in the mountains: 40-60 cm/24h; 70-100 cm/48h; 100-130 cm/72h

Meaning of danger level 4 (high danger)

Disruptions to air and rail travel are to be expected. Road traffic delays and an increased risk of accidents are to be expected due to icy conditions, snow drifts and poor visibility. Branches may break off under the weight of the snowload and some trees may be toppled. The power supply and/or telephone communications network may suffer outages. Roofs may be significantly burdened by heavy snowloads.

Recommendations for action

• Stay informed of the driving conditions (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Avoid forests and areas with a lot of trees – there is a risk of branches breaking off and trees falling.
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Drive carefully on the road due to the increased risk of accidents.
• Be aware of rooftop avalanches.
• Check the daily avalanche bulletin and the additional information provided by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF.

Additional information

• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowland areas of German-speaking Switzerland: 30-50 cm/24h; 50-70 cm/48h; 70-90 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowlands of Western Switzerland and south of the Alps: 30-50 cm/24h; 50-70 cm/48h; 70-90 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in the mountains: 60-90 cm/24h; 100-140 cm/48h; 130-180 cm/72h

Meaning of danger level 5 (very high danger)

Road, rail and air travel may come to a complete standstill. There is a high risk of road accidents due to icy conditions, snow drifts and poor visibility. Branches may break off under the weight of the snowload and entire trees may be toppled.The power supply and telephone communications network may break down completely.

Recommendations for action

• Avoid forests and areas with a lot of trees – there is a risk of branches breaking off and trees falling.
• Stay informed of the driving conditions (e.g. via radio, by calling the 163 telephone service, through television or online media).
• Avoid driving if possible.
• Drive carefully on the road due to the major risk of accidents.
• Be aware of rooftop avalanches.
• Check the daily avalanche bulletin and the additional information provided by the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF.

Additional information

• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowland areas of German-speaking Switzerland: >50 cm/24h; >70 cm/48h; >90 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in lowlands of Western Switzerland and south of the Alps: >50 cm/24h; >70 cm/48h; >90 cm/72h
• Heavy/intensive snowfall in the mountains: >90 cm/24h; >140 cm/48h; >180 cm/72h