Second-highest avalanche warning issued for large parts of Switzerland

A level 4 avalanche warning has been issued across the Swiss Alps. The warning comes as a train has derailed in Goppenstein, Valais, due to an avalanche.

Level 4 avalanche warning issued in Switzerland

The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF has issued a level 4 high warning for potentially severe avalanches in certain parts of Switzerland. The second-highest danger level applies to a number of areas above 2.000 metres where “spontaneous and often very large avalanches are likely”, according to Watson.

The regions affected include most of the Swiss Alps in southern Switzerland, such as the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden, Jungfrau, Titlis and Chur. Check the avalanche bulletin for the latest update. Fresh and wind-drifted snow can create conditions that easily trigger avalanches. Skiers should stick to recommended trails and avoid going off designated slopes.

The level 4 danger warning is likely to remain in place until 6pm on Monday, February 16. More snow is predicted to fall overnight and into Tuesday and the snow line will drop from around 1.100 metres to around 600 metres as the weather remains cold. 

Train derails in Goppenstein due to an avalanche

On Monday morning, a train derailed in Goppenstein, Valais, at around 7am due to an avalanche. Around 30 passengers have been evacuated from the RegioExpress RE1 train that left from Spiez at 6.12am this morning, according to another Watson report.

The incident took place in the Stockgraben tunnel between Goppenstein and Hohtenn in the Lötschental valley. Public transport users should expect delays and cancellations to last until at least 4am on Tuesday, February 17.