Heavy snowfall has led to significant disruptions across the Valais and Bernese Oberland regions of Switzerland, as authorities report numerous road closures and power outages on April 17, 2025. At least 14 roads are impassable due to snow and avalanche risks, affecting both local traffic and essential services.
According to reports from the Swiss Touring Club (TCS), major routes including the Zubringertrasse Täsch Zermatt and Hauptstrasse Visp Saas Fee are completely closed in both directions due to avalanche danger and heavy snowfall. The Kantonsstrasse Saas Grund - Saas Almagell is also shut down, with rain complicating the situation further. Other affected roads include the Kantonsstrasse Visp-Visperterminen, which is blocked due to snow, and the road from Stalden to Embd, which has also been closed.
In Zermatt, the situation is particularly dire. The village remains cut off from the rest of Switzerland and is experiencing power outages. A local resident described the scene: "Most stores and restaurants are closed, and the bakeries have already run out of bread, asking us to come back tomorrow morning." Only one grocery store, a Denner, remains open, but it is overcrowded, leading to chaos as residents scramble for supplies.
As of the afternoon, Zermatt continued to be without electricity, with one resident expressing concern that the situation could escalate if power is not restored soon. "People are gathering at the emergency meeting point for no reason," the resident said, highlighting a lack of communication and coordination from civil defense authorities.
In addition to road closures, the federal government has issued warnings about the risk of avalanches and falling branches. The situation has prompted the Valais State Council to declare a "special situation" in the canton, urging residents of Brig, Sion, and Sierre to stay indoors if possible.
Heavy precipitation overnight has further complicated the situation, with reports indicating that Simplon Dorf and Gondo are completely cut off and can only be accessed from the Italian side. Rail traffic has also been severely disrupted, with no trains running between Brig and Frutigen and the line between Visp and Zermatt interrupted due to the storm. Replacement buses are operating between Visp and Täsch, but access to Zermatt remains blocked.
MeteoSwiss has confirmed that the heavy snowfall and rain are expected to continue, with predictions of an additional 150 to 250 millimeters of precipitation by Thursday evening. The snow line has dropped significantly, with snow reported at elevations as low as 482 meters in Sion.
Local authorities are taking precautionary measures to manage the risks associated with the severe weather. In Leukerbad, an artificial avalanche triggering has been scheduled to take place, with roads to and from the area closed until further notice.
As of April 17, 2025, the federal government warns of "great" and even "very great danger" in Valais due to the threat of avalanches and falling branches. The forecast indicates that the Rhône and its tributaries may also face flooding risks as runoff increases. However, current assessments suggest that the Rhône does not pose an immediate flood risk, with water levels remaining below critical thresholds.
In the Bernese Oberland, heavy snowfall has also resulted in road closures and power outages, although rail traffic has not been affected as severely as in Valais. The main road from Frutigen to Adelboden is closed, and several fallen trees have obstructed traffic in other areas.
Authorities are urging residents to limit travel and avoid unnecessary risks during this severe weather event. Schools across Valais have been closed for the day, and all residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid areas near trees or steep slopes due to the danger of falling branches and avalanches.
The situation in Valais and the Bernese Oberland serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by severe winter weather. As residents continue to navigate the disruptions, local authorities are working diligently to restore power and clear roads, but the ongoing snow and rain complicate these efforts.
As the weather continues to develop, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news channels and heed the advice of emergency services. The community's resilience will be tested as they face the challenges brought about by this intense weather event.
