Snow report Central Switzerland, 04/01/2018

Snow condition

Up to 90 centimetres of fresh snow have fallen in central Switzerland since Good Friday. This amount alone would probably have been enough to prevent contact with stones or other surfaces.

Snow quality

Perfect, waist-deep pow early in the morning in places sheltered from the wind, a little wind-pressed in exposed places, the snow became heavier towards midday and when the sun disappeared behind the clouds again, a thin cover formed immediately.

SLF reported warning level 3 for today and I personally classified today as the most delicate day of the season. An avalanche (not the one pictured above) fell in the foliage today, which didn't bury anyone, but triggered a major search operation because two snow sports enthusiasts were suspected of being in it. (Not the one in the picture). I wouldn't have wanted to get under the avalanche in the picture above - the chances of survival would have been minimal with these masses and the heavy snow in the lower layers. What's more, cornices have broken off from time to time today and the wind has transported a lot of snow today. A significant rise in temperature is expected tomorrow. So the Easter Monday trip into the backcountry should be over by midday.

Overall impression

Very good day with highs and (small) lows in terms of snow quality on certain slopes. But looking at the pictures, you can see that it was definitely better in the mountains today than looking for Easter eggs in the garden.