The Avalanche Accident Prevention Team in Valais warns of the danger of avalanches sda-ats
This content was published on March 11, 2023 – 19:13
March 11, 2023 – 7:13 pm
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(Keystone-ATS)
Two people died today in the canton of Valais due to the triggering of an avalanche outside the ski resorts. The accident took place in the Scex Blanc region, on the heights of Bruson.
The cantonal police are not providing further details at the moment, explaining that the identification of the victims is underway.
Meanwhile, the Group for the prevention of avalanche accidents in the Valais warns: “This Sunday and the coming days will be dangerous on the avalanche front. The invitation is to be cautious. The heavy snowfalls and the wind have led to the formation of snowdrifts. It’s better to give up off-piste on unsafe terrain or without being accompanied by a professional, if you don’t have the necessary experience”.
Täsch-Zermatt railway line reopened
Meanwhile, the railway section between Täsch and Zermatt in Valais, which was interrupted this morning due to the fall of an avalanche, has been reopened, indicates the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) on Twitter.
According to an MGB spokeswoman, the avalanche occurred last night and the tracks buried by the avalanche had to be cleared. The works were delayed because preventive blasting for the artificial triggering of avalanches was first carried out for safety reasons. The road to Zermatt was also closed this morning due to blasting.
Danger level 4 (strong)
For the weekend, the Confederation’s natural hazards services warned of the high risk of fresh snow and avalanches in Alpine areas. In most of Valais, the danger level is 4 (strong) out of five, for the remaining Alpine regions the level is 3 (considerable).
In the space of 24 hours up to this morning, up to half a meter of snow has partially fallen in Valais, reports SRF Meteo. For example in Zermatt, at an altitude of 1,638 metres. Over the past few days, even a meter of fresh snow has accumulated.
However, the return of winter is destined to be short-lived. In fact, double-digit temperatures are expected for Sunday and even “a touch of summer” from Monday, with the maximum locally around 20 degrees, writes Meteonews. On Tuesday, however, the passage of a new cold front is expected.
www.avalanche-check.ch.
