Winter has made a dramatic return to the Swiss canton of Valais, wreaking havoc with heavy snowfall that has led to road closures, fallen trees, and widespread power outages. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Meteo Schweiz confirmed the highest danger level of 5 for Upper Valais, which is expected to remain in effect until at least 6 PM.
The snow line has dropped significantly, reaching the Rhone Valley, with reports of snow accumulation at the airport in Sion, which is situated at 482 meters above sea level. Meteorologist Roger Perret from Meteo News expressed surprise at the intensity of the snowfall, stating, "Between two and three meters of snow fell in a short time." This extreme weather has not only affected Valais but has also caused disruptions in the Bernese Oberland, where several communities experienced temporary power outages.
According to forecasts from Meteo News, heavy precipitation is expected to continue throughout the day, particularly in Ticino and southern Valais, where amounts could reach 150 to 250 mm, and locally up to 300 mm. The mountains are expected to see 1 to 2 meters of fresh snow, raising the risk of avalanches significantly.
In response to the extreme weather conditions, the canton of Valais declared a special situation, advising residents to remain indoors and cautioning against unnecessary travel. Schools at all levels, including vocational institutions, were closed for the day, effectively starting the Easter holidays a day early for many students. Authorities have urged individuals with planned trips to Valais to postpone their arrival if possible.
As the snow continued to fall, several key transport routes were closed. The north-south axes, including the Simplon and Great St. Bernard passes, were rendered impassable. The Simplon car transport service between Brig and Iselle remained closed, while the Lötschberg car transport between Kandersteg and Goppenstein was able to resume limited operations around 12:43 PM.
Heavy snowfall has also resulted in power outages across various towns in Valais, with BKW-Mediensprecher Michael Blum explaining that the wet, heavy snow has caused branches to snap and fall onto power lines, resulting in short circuits. Currently, there is no clear estimate on when power will be restored, as repair teams are facing difficult conditions in reaching affected areas.
Notably, the popular resort town of Zermatt has been cut off from the outside world, with the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn reporting that the route between Visp and Zermatt is interrupted due to the severe weather. The Täsch-Zermatt access road is closed in both directions due to avalanche risks. Other areas, such as Leukerbad, have also been isolated, reportedly due to a torn power cable.
Warnings have been issued regarding the high risk of avalanches and falling trees, with Alertswiss advising against venturing into forests or areas near trees. The authorities have emphasized the need for caution, especially in light of the second-highest avalanche warning level (level 4) that has been issued for large parts of Valais and adjacent regions.
The situation has escalated to the point where local police have reported receiving numerous non-urgent calls, urging the public to reserve emergency lines for true emergencies only. Residents in the cantonal capital of Sion were advised to stay at home as a precaution, with many roads closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.
As the snowfall is expected to ease later in the day, the community is left to grapple with the aftermath of the storm. While the heavy precipitation has created challenges, it also brings some relief after weeks of dry conditions. Meteo News anticipates that the Easter weekend will bring more sunshine than rain and snow, providing a much-needed break for the beleaguered residents.
In summary, Valais is currently facing significant challenges due to unprecedented snowfall, with road closures, power outages, and a high risk of avalanches. Authorities are urging caution and advising residents to remain indoors wherever possible as they navigate this winter storm's aftermath.
