Coming from someone who lived in Jackson Hole when they reported the most snowfall in a 24 hour period with 36″, it’s fair to say that 47″ in 24 hours is completely insane. Albeit insane, that’s exactly how much snow fell near the lesser known Anzère ski resort in the Swiss Alps in the last 24 hours. What about the last 48 hours?
The last 48 hours has seen 78″!
*Snow totals are drawn from the Donin du Jour study plot located at an elevation of 7840 feet near Anzère.
Those turbulent conditions have left the road from Chamonix to the Swiss Alps closed in addition to the Col des Montets, which is closed due to the possibility of slides endangering drivers.
Remember:Â How Bad Is The Skiing In The Alps? This Bad…
Although Anzère is standing atop the proverbial snow-pile of resorts in the alps, this latest storm has dropped massive snowfall totals across the majority of the alps and current forecasts have snow falling through the weekend with blue skies expected for Sunday in the northern alps.
From Chamonix to La Grave and Zermatt to Verbier, the Alps are finally getting the goods and it’s all happening very quickly. That said, avalanche danger is still off the charts after an abnormally dry December was followed by heavy snow and rain, leaving a complex snowpack that changes drastically depending on the elevation at which backcountry travelers are skiing and riding. Currently, much of the alps is under an avalanche watch with a danger rating of 4/5 (5 being the highest possible danger).Â
Stay safe out there people!
For up to date avalanche bulletins visit:Â European Avalanche Warning Services
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