Severe weather has continued to affect the Valais region of Switzerland, prompting authorities to maintain high vigilance following significant snowfall earlier this week. As of Saturday, April 19, 2025, the Great St. Bernard tunnel remains closed due to avalanche risks, and several avalanches have been reported in the canton, particularly in the Upper Valais.
On Thursday, April 17, heavy snow led to the triggering of avalanches, which caused considerable damage, including to the Toules tunnel located on the A21 Grand-St-Bernard motorway. The avalanche swept down boulders and trees over a length of approximately 300 meters, raising concerns about road safety. According to Stève Léger, a spokesman for the cantonal police, the risk of further avalanches remains high, especially with heavy snowmelt expected over the weekend.
"The situation is rather good overall," Léger stated, although he cautioned that there is still a risk of falling trees in the area. The level of the Rhone River is currently normal, but authorities have issued alerts for its tributaries due to the potential for overflow.
In Zermatt, which has been isolated since the storms, officials are set to reassess the situation on Saturday. State Councillor Christophe Darbellay noted that the Saas Valley should be accessible again during the day as recovery efforts continue.
The Federal Roads Office has initiated immediate measures to secure the damaged tunnel and will begin repair work as soon as conditions allow. However, the A21 will remain closed to transit traffic to Italy for several days, which means it will not be available for Easter traffic. Local traffic between Martigny and Bourg-St-Pierre on the Swiss side remains open, providing some access amid the closures.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the severe weather, residents and travelers are advised to stay informed and heed warnings from local authorities. The ongoing risks highlight the challenges faced by mountainous areas during winter storms, where weather conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly.
In summary, the Valais region is under continued alert due to the impacts of heavy snowfall and subsequent avalanches. While some areas are beginning to stabilize, the risks remain, necessitating caution for those in or traveling through the region. Authorities are working diligently to address the damage and restore safe access, but travelers are urged to remain patient and vigilant as recovery efforts unfold.
