Snow report Jungfrau Region, 01/05/2018

Snow condition

There is still a lot of snow in the village (approx. 30 cm). However, if the heavy precipitation had fallen as snow, it would probably be well over a meter in the village. Once again, it rained much higher than forecast in the Bernese Oberland with westerly winds. At least up to 2600m. While in Goms, the Gottard region and also in Graubünden it snowed right down into the valleys. In the Bernese Oberland there is now a lot of snow above 2000m. A multiple of last winter's snow maximum. Below that, however, the snow cover is now decreasing rapidly.

Snow quality

The snow cover is completely soaked up to 2500m above sea level. From 2000m upwards, the snow cover is frozen, but quite wavy and uneven. Below that, the snow cover is completely soaked, but only slightly frozen, i.e. broken snow. But of course we were spoiled at the beginning of December...

The avalanche bulletin today reported a high risk of dry snow avalanches above 2200m for most of the Alps, including the Bernese Oberland. In my opinion, the danger of dry snow avalanches in the Bernese Oberland is only high above approx. 2800m. Below that, the snow cover is soaked. There is simply a risk of wet snow avalanches. Thanks to the clear night, however, the snow cover has frozen very well above 2000m and the danger of wet snow avalanches has now been somewhat reduced. However, the very large snow drifts and accumulations of drift snow should be mentioned. The path up the Faulhorn, for example, has been completely blown over and can only be recognized by the markings. However, some of these poles only just peek out of the snow.

Overall impression

The heavy rain has severely dampened the joy of winter. And now the foehn is blowing in and it's staying warm. It's a shame that there's no more fresh snow for the time being. The snow cover is now quite icy. At least there is a lot of snow and a perfect base. Everything will improve again with the next cold front.... Let's hope it comes soon.

Freeriding tips for the Jungfrau Region: www.freerideguide.ch