Early snow landing on still-warm ground after the record-hot summer could raise avalanche risks across the Swiss Alps
The WSL snow and avalanche institute in Davos warns that a thick early snowpack insulates the ground, keeping the base of the snow wet and making the whole layer prone to sliding on grass or smooth rock — even on north-facing slopes usually spared.
The accumulated heat is also pushing deeper into the permafrost above 2,500 metres, weakening mountain flanks and raising the risk of rockfalls.
For ski resorts at medium altitude, water temperatures may still be too high for artificial snow production this winter.
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