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Current natural hazards situation in Switzerland

Updated on: 29.03.2024, 13:05
Complex visual representation of the current natural hazards situation in Switzerland. The identical information is available in text form below.

Current warnings issued for Switzerland

  (23 Messages) hide
  • Snow: High danger, level 4

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Disruption to road, rail and air traffic.
    - Recommendations for action: Before and during a car journey, get information on the driving conditions (radio, 163 telephone service), and follow the instructions issued by the winter road maintenance services. Stay away from forests and trees (danger of falling trees or branches under the weight of the snow). When heavy snowfalls are forecast in the mountains, pay attention to official instructions and leave areas in good time (and also exposed buildings) where there is a risk of avalanche. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1400 m a.s.l. 15-30 cm, above 1800 m a.s.l. 70-120 cm, above 2000 m a.s.l. 100-150 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 1200-2100 m
    - Peak phase of the event: Sat 12 - Sun 00, Sun 12 - Mon 06
    - Intensifying conditions: accompanied by winds at gale force
    0:Snow:4:MCH:248,249,250,251,252,301,302,303,304:
  • Snow: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Disruption to road, rail and air traffic.
    - Recommendations for action: Before and during a car journey, get information on the driving conditions (radio, 163 telephone service), and follow the instructions issued by the winter road maintenance services. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1800 m a.s.l. 60 - 120 cm, above 1600 m a.s.l. 20 - 60 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 2000 - 1500 m (sinking)
    - Peak phase of the event: Sun 18 - Mon 06
    - Intensifying conditions: accompanied by winds at gale force
    1:Snow:3:MCH:149,158,166,174,188:
  • Snow: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Disruption to road, rail and air traffic.
    - Recommendations for action: Before and during a car journey, get information on the driving conditions (radio, 163 telephone service), and follow the instructions issued by the winter road maintenance services. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1800 m a.s.l. 60 - 120 cm, above 1600 m a.s.l. 20 - 60 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 1500 - 2000 m (sinking)
    - Peak phase of the event: Sun 18 - Mon 06
    - Intensifying conditions: accompanied by winds at gale force
    2:Snow:3:MCH:241,245,246:
  • Snow: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Disruption to road, rail and air traffic. Risk of skidding owing to snow-covered roads
    - Recommendations for action: Before and during a car journey, get information on the driving conditions (radio, 163 telephone service), and follow the instructions issued by the winter road maintenance services. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1600 m a.s.l. 20-40 cm, above 2000 m a.s.l. 70-110 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 1500 - 2100 m
    - Peak phase of the event: Sat 15 - Sun 03, Sun 15 - Mon 12
    - Intensifying conditions: accompanied by winds at gale force
    3:Snow:3:MCH:312,313,315:
  • Avalanches: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Dry avalanches: New snow. Danger level "considerable" (3=) in all aspects above 2000m.
    Wet avalanches: Wet snow. Danger level "considerable" (3) in all aspects below 2000m.
    4:Avalanches:3:SLF:6212,6112,6115,6131,6122,6113,6132,6211,7211,6111,6121,6114:
  • Avalanches: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Dry avalanches: New snow. Danger level "considerable" (3=) in all aspects above 2000m.
    Wet avalanches: Gliding snow. Danger level "moderate" (2) in all aspects below 2600m.
    5:Avalanches:3:SLF:7222,7111,5215,1312,4242,4222,4114,1114,4223,5216,4111,1247,4225,4232,5223,7112,4113,5234,4244,2223,7115,4231,4241,5233,5232,4224,4112,7114,7221,5212,5211,4243,2224:
  • Avalanches: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Dry avalanches: Wind slab. Danger level "considerable" (3-) in west to northeast to southeast facing aspects above 2000m.
    Wet avalanches: Gliding snow. Danger level "moderate" (2) in all aspects below 2600m.
    6:Avalanches:3:SLF:7231,1246,1225,1245,7123,4213,4214,7122,4221,5221,5113,1223,1232,4211,4124,1234,5123,7113,7126,7125,5222,5124,4122,5214,5231,4123,2221,4121,1243,2222,4215,4115,1227,4125,4212,4116:
  • Wind: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 03:00 - 31.03.2024, 18:00
    - Possible impacts: Falling branches and individual trees. Damage to individual roofs. Possible shutdown of ski lifts and cable cars
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from forests, trees and tree-lined avenues. When driving, be prepared for crosswinds in exposed locations (e.g. on bridges), drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles. Watch out for falling objects (roof tiles, branches, electric cables, etc.)
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: above 1200 m 110 - 150 km/h, above 1600 m 130 - 160 km/h
    - Main wind direction: south to southwest
    - Peak phase of the event: Fri 12 - Sat 18
    - Intensifying conditions: -
    7:Wind:3:MCH:110,111,112,113,122,227,228,229,230,231,232,233,234,235,236,237,238,239,240,241,242,243,244,245,246,247,248,249,250,251,252:
  • Wind: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 03:00 - 01.04.2024, 03:00
    - Possible impacts: Falling branches and individual trees. Possible shutdown of ski lifts and cable cars
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from forests, trees and tree-lined avenues. Keep off exposed places such as rooftop areas and rock ledges. Secure any freestanding objects outdoors or move them to a sheltered spot (e.g. plant pots, garden furniture, bicycles) before the wind event begins
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: above 1200 m 120 - 150 km/h
    - Main wind direction: south to southwest
    - Peak phase of the event: Fri 12 - Sat 18, Sun 10 - Mon 03
    - Intensifying conditions: -
    8:Wind:3:MCH:120,121,127,129,130,135,136,149,157,158,165,166,172,173,174,180,181,182,183,184,185,186,187,188:
  • Wind: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 03:00 - 01.04.2024, 03:00
    - Possible impacts: Falling branches and individual trees. Lightly secured objects with larger surface areas, such as tents and scaffolding, can be blown over. Some disruption to road, rail, water and air traffic. Increased risk of road accidents owing to strong crosswinds at exposed points (e.g. bridges). Possible shutdown of ski lifts and cable cars
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from forests, trees and tree-lined avenues. When driving, be prepared for crosswinds in exposed locations (e.g. on bridges), drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles. Park your car under shelter if possible and keep it away from trees and construction sites. Keep off exposed places such as rooftop areas and rock ledges. Secure any freestanding objects outdoors or move them to a sheltered spot (e.g. plant pots, garden furniture, bicycles) before the wind event begins
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: 90 - 120 km/h, above 1200 m 120 - 150 km/h
    - Main wind direction: southwest to southeast
    - Peak phase of the event: Fri 08 - Sat 18, Sun 10 - Sun 20
    - Intensifying conditions: -
    9:Wind:3:MCH:128,137,138,144,145,146,147,148,152,153,154,155,156,162,163,164,167,168,169,170,171,175,176,177,178,179:
  • Wind: Considerable danger, level 3

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 03:00 - 31.03.2024, 18:00
    - Possible impacts: Falling branches and individual trees. Damage to individual roofs. Possible shutdown of ski lifts and cable cars
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from forests, trees and tree-lined avenues. When driving, be prepared for crosswinds in exposed locations (e.g. on bridges), drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles. Watch out for falling objects (roof tiles, branches, electric cables, etc.)
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: in the plains 70 - 100 km/h
    - Main wind direction: southeast to south
    - Peak phase of the event: Fri 08 - Fri 18
    - Intensifying conditions: -
    10:Wind:3:MCH:230,231,232,235:
  • Rain: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Possible impacts: Rising water level of streams in areas where the ground is already saturated.
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from watercourses and steep slopes. Avoid watercourses in the mountains at all cost, as these are prone to mudslides. A mudslide can occur very suddenly and without warning, and can be a powerful destructive force
    - Expected amounts: 60-100 mm
    - Snowfall limit: 2000 - 1500 m (sinking)
    11:Rain:2:MCH:130,137,138,148,149,156,157,158,165,166,173,174,181,184,188:
  • Rain: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Possible impacts: Rising water level of streams in areas where the ground is already saturated.
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from watercourses and steep slopes. Pay attention to possible flood warnings from the FOEN
    - Expected amounts: 120-200 mm
    - Snowfall limit: 1200-2000 m
    12:Rain:2:MCH:301,305,306:
  • Rain: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Possible impacts: Rising water level of streams in areas where the ground is already saturated.
    - Recommendations for action: Stay away from watercourses and steep slopes. Pay attention to possible flood warnings from the FOEN
    - Expected amounts: 80-130 mm
    - Snowfall limit: 1400-2000 m
    13:Rain:2:MCH:302,303,304,307,308,309,312:
  • Snow: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Slippery conditions due to snow-covered roads
    - Recommendations for action: Familiarise yourself with the driving conditions (by listening to the radio, calling the 163 service) before and during any journeys by car, and follow the instructions of the winter road maintenance services. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1800 m a.s.l. 40 - 80 cm, above 1600 m a.s.l. 20 - 40 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 2000 - 1500 m (sinking)
    14:Snow:2:MCH:130,137,138,148,156,157,165,173,181,184:
  • Snow: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 30.03.2024, 12:00 - 01.04.2024, 12:00
    - Warning valid above 1800 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Slippery conditions due to snow-covered roads
    - Recommendations for action: Familiarise yourself with the driving conditions (by listening to the radio, calling the 163 service) before and during any journeys by car, and follow the instructions of the winter road maintenance services. Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1800 m a.s.l. 40 - 80 cm, above 1600 m a.s.l. 20 - 40 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 1500 - 2000 m (sinking)
    15:Snow:2:MCH:234,238,242,247:
  • Snow: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 12:00 - 30.03.2024, 06:00
    - Warning valid above 1400 m a.s.l.
    - Possible impacts: Slippery conditions due to snow-covered roads
    - Recommendations for action: Familiarise yourself with the driving conditions (by listening to the radio, calling the 163 service) before and during any journeys by car, and follow the instructions of the winter road maintenance services. Equip your car for winter (e.g. fit winter tyres and snow chains). Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research SLF
    - Expected amounts: above 1400 m a.s.l. 5-15 cm, above 1600 m a.s.l. 15-25 cm, above 2000 m a.s.l. 25-40 cm
    - Snowfall limit: 1200-2000 (rising)
    16:Snow:2:MCH:301,302,303,304:
  • Wind: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 10:00 - 29.03.2024, 22:00
    - Possible impacts: Breaking of smaller branches.
    - Recommendations for action: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors or move them to a sheltered spot (e.g. plant pots, garden furniture, bicycles, etc.) before the wind event begins.
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: in the plains 60 - 80 km/h
    - Main wind direction: south to southeast
    17:Wind:2:MCH:215,219,220,225,226:
  • Avalanches: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Dry avalanches: Wind slab. Danger level "moderate" (2+) in west to northeast to southeast facing aspects above 2000m.
    Wet avalanches: Gliding snow. Danger level "low" (1)
    18:Avalanches:2:SLF:1111,1221,1121:
  • Avalanches: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Dry avalanches: Wind slab. Danger level "moderate" (2+) in west to northeast to southeast facing aspects above 2000m.
    Wet avalanches: Gliding snow. Danger level "moderate" (2) in all aspects below 2600m.
    19:Avalanches:2:SLF:1311,1222,2134,3113,2122,1224,7124,2111,5111,2121,5122,2133,2124,1228,5121,3223,3114,1241,1226,1242,7121,1113,1112,1233,3311,1213,3111,5112,2132,2211,1231,3222,2123,3224,1244,3112,2212:
  • Wind: Moderate danger, level 2

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 07:10 - 31.03.2024, 18:05
    - Possible impacts: Breaking of smaller branches.
    - Recommendations for action: Secure any freestanding objects outdoors or move them to a sheltered spot (e.g. plant pots, garden furniture, bicycles, etc.) before the wind event begins.
    - Highest wind gusts in exposed locations: above 1000 m 90 - 110 km/h
    - Main wind direction: southwest to southeast
    20:Wind:2:MCH:205,206,207,208,210,211,216,221:
  • Forest fire: Moderate danger, level 2

    Effective from: 28.03.2024
    More information on measures in force in the cantons to be found on the FOEN Website.
    21:Forestfire:2:ForestFire:1001,1000,1004,1013,1014,1003:
  • Avalanches: No or minor danger, level 1

    Validity: 29.03.2024, 08:00 - 29.03.2024, 18:00
    Gliding snow. Danger level "low" (1)
    22:Avalanches:1:SLF:1212,3221,3211,2131,2112:
This message is currently only available in German .

Naturgefahrenbulletin des Bundes

Ausgabedatum: Freitag, 29. März 2024 11:00 Uhr
Nächste Information: Samstag, 30. März 2024 11:00 Uhr

Ergiebiger Schneefall dem südlichen Alpenhauptkamm entlang sowie Föhnsturm im Norden und in den Alpen. 

Über Ostern tobt in den Alpen ein Föhnsturm. Im Süden sowie in den angrenzenden Regionen des Alpenhauptkamms und in den östlichen Teilen der Walliser Alpen setzen ergiebige Stauniederschläge ein, teils in Form von Schnee bis in tiefe Lagen.  
Prozess Stufe Betroffene Gebiete von bis
Schnee 4 Alto Moesano, Oberes Saastal, Oberwallis, Simplonregion, nördliches Tessin 30.03.24, 12 Uhr 01.04.24, 12 Uhr
Wind 3 Alpen, Föhntäler 29.03.24, 03 Uhr 01.04.24, 03 Uhr
Schnee 3 Aletschgebiet, Bivio-Avers, Bregaglia, Lugnez-Valsertal, Oberengadin, Poschiavo, Rheinwald, Urner Alpen, südliches Wallis 30.03.24, 12 Uhr 01.04.24, 12 Uhr

Wetter  (Stand: 29.03.2024, 11:00 Uhr)

Aktuelle Lage

Eine kräftige Südströmung wird über die Ostertage das Wetter im Alpenraum bestimmen. Während über den Alpen ein Föhnsturm tobt, setzen auf der Alpensüdseite ergiebige Niederschläge ein.

Der Föhn setzte wie erwartet in der Nacht auf Freitag ein und erreichte bis am Freitagmittag in den Föhntälern bereits Böenspitzen zwischen 90 und 120 km/h. In Altdorf wurden sogar 128 km/h gemessen. In den den Gipfellagen der Alpen erreichte der Südwind bereits 100 bis 130 km/h.

Prognose

Der Föhnsturm in den Alpen dauert voraussichtlich bis am Montagmorgen an. In den Föhntälern muss weiterhin mit Böenspitzen von 90 bis 120 km/h gerechnet werden. Am Freitag und Samstag greift der Föhn leicht abgeschwächt mit Böenspitzen von 60 bis 90 km/h jeweils auch bis ins angrenzende Flachland hinaus. In exponierten Berglagen oberhalb von 1200 Metern sind Böen von 120 bis 150 km/h wahrscheinlich. Die stärkste Phase des Föhnsturms wird von Freitagmittag bis Samstagmittag erwartet. Nach einer vorübergehenden Abschwächung zwischen Samstagabend und Sonntagmittag, dürfte der Föhn am Sonntagnachmittag und in der Nacht auf Montag nochmals zunehmen, bevor am Montagmorgen eine Kaltfront dieses Föhnereignis beendet.

In den Staugebieten der Alpensüdseite fallen am Freitag zunächst mässige, ab Samstagmittag dann starke Niederschläge. Vom Saastal über das Simplongebiet bis zum Obergoms und vom oberen Maggiatal bis ins nördliche Misox muss zwischen Samstag- und Montagmittag mit 100 bis 160, lokal bis 200 mm Niederschlag gerechnet werden. In den nördlich angrenzenden Regionen des Alpenhauptkamms, den Südbündner Tälern, im Oberengadin sowie im Aletschgebiet, in Arolla und im oberen Mattertal werden 80 bis 140 mm erwartet. Die Schneefallgrenze schwankt zwischen 1200 und 2100 Metern. In Berglagen oberhalb von 1800 bis 2000 Metern muss verbreitet mit 100 bis 150 cm Neuschnee gerechnet werden. Dafür wurde vom oberen Saastal bis zum nördlichen Misox eine Warnung der Stufe 4 ausgegeben. In den übrigen Regionen wird oberhalb von 1600 bis 2000 Meter 80 bis 110, lokal bis 130 cm Neuschnee erwartet, was mit einer Schneewarnung der Stufe 3 bewarnt wurde.