Switzerland sees record November snowfall, almost 710 mm (28 inches) recorded
Heavy snow hit parts of Switzerland over the weekend, November 16 and 17, 2017, bringing the monthly total up to 710 mm (28 inches) in Santa Maria, in the country's east. This broke the previous record of 690 mm (27 inches), also set in the same area in 1959.
According to the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, there was "a great deal of snowfall" across the southern ridges of the Alps over the last three days. As much as 300 mm (12 inches) was recorded in some areas of the country.
Image credit: WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF
As a result, road and rail transport are facing their first major winter disruptions. Ski stations at Saas-Fee and Saas Grund have been cut off. Traffic information service Viasuisse said other roads have also been closed.
For instance, the Stalden-Saas Grund axis in Valais has been shut down, making it impossible to access the ski station of Saas-Fee by road.
Some roads in canton Graubunden, particularly around Davos, Arosa and Silvaplana, were also blanketed by snow. The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) line from Pontresina to Poschiavo is closed this weekend.
There would be risks of avalanches – the third-highest risk level – in most parts of southeastern Switzerland, the agency added.
Featured image credit: Pieter Nijssen/YouTube
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Related articles
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.