Vs: Strong Rainfall; Prealarm for Rodano, Closed Roads
- Saas Valley Access Restricted as Zion Authorities Respond to Weather Threat Following considerable rainfall overnight in the southern Vallesane Alps, authorities in Zion have implemented preventative road...
- (Keystone-ATS) along with road closures, a pre-alert has been issued concerning potential overflow of the Rhone River. The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (Meteosvizzra) has issued a...
- The initial alert, issued Tuesday, covered the Saas Valley and the region south of the Sempione Pass.
Road Closures, Flood Alerts Issued in Swiss Alps due to Heavy Rainfall
Saas Valley Access Restricted as Zion Authorities Respond to Weather Threat
Following considerable rainfall overnight in the southern Vallesane Alps, authorities in Zion have implemented preventative road closures, most notably restricting access to the Saas Valley.
Published: April 16, 2025
(Keystone-ATS) along with road closures, a pre-alert has been issued concerning potential overflow of the Rhone River. The Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology (Meteosvizzra) has issued a maximum rain alert, a grade 5 out of 5, for the Sempione area and surrounding regions.
The initial alert, issued Tuesday, covered the Saas Valley and the region south of the Sempione Pass. Wednesday’s bulletin extended the grade 5 danger warning, valid untill 6 p.m. Thursday, to adjacent areas, encompassing the region from briga to Colle del Sempione and the Binn valley.
Between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday, rainfall totals ranged from 30 to 70 millimeters per square meter. Meteosvizzra reported the snow line fluctuated between 1,900 and 2,300 meters above sea level. The vallesano State Chancellery, in a press release, provided updated figures for Zwischbergen, in the Gondo gorge region south of the Simplon Pass, indicating 103 millimeters of rain were recorded between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday.
Officials stated that the severe weather has not yet resulted in “any serious damage” in the areas under maximum alert or those with lower alert levels. Though,the cantonal body of conduct (OCC/KFO) decided to implement preventative closures of certain road sections beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Access to the tourist destinations of Saas-Fee and Saas-Almagell is currently restricted due to the closure of the Saas Valley road. Authorities have not yet specified the duration of the road closures.
The OCC/KFO also issued warnings for potential natural hazards, including flooding, debris flows along waterways, landslides, and rockfalls. The pre-alert for the Rhone River, from Gletsch to Martigny, remains in effect.
The authorities have issued guidelines for residents, urging them to avoid waterways, limit travel, and avoid basements and underground parking areas in the event of flooding.
Road Closures and Flood Alerts in the Swiss Alps: Your Essential Guide
This article provides crucial data about road closures and flood alerts in the Swiss Alps due to heavy rainfall. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge to stay safe and informed.
What’s Happening in the Swiss Alps?
Heavy rainfall in the southern Vallesane Alps has triggered several alerts and preventative measures. Authorities are responding to the weather threat with road closures and warnings of potential hazards.
What areas are affected?
Saas Valley: Access is restricted.
Sempione Area & Surrounding Regions: Grade 5 (out of 5) maximum rain alert issued by Meteosvizzra. This includes the region from Briga to Colle del Sempione and the Binn Valley.
Rhone River: A pre-alert for potential overflow from Gletsch to Martigny is in effect.
Road Closures in Detail
Which roads are closed?
Preventative road closures have been implemented in response to the severe weather. Access to the Saas Valley is restricted, impacting access to Saas-Fee and Saas-Almagell. The duration of these closures is currently unspecified.
When did the closures begin?
Preventative road closures began at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
flood and Hazard Alerts
What hazards are authorities warning about?
Authorities issued warnings for several potential natural hazards:
Flooding
Debris flows along waterways
landslides
Rockfalls
Is there a flood alert in effect?
Yes, a pre-alert concerning potential overflow of the Rhone River, from Gletsch to Martigny, remains in effect.
Rainfall Data
How much rain has fallen?
Between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday,rainfall totals ranged from 30 to 70 millimeters per square meter.Zwischbergen, in the gondo gorge region, recorded 103 millimeters between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday.
What about the snow line?
The snow line fluctuated between 1,900 and 2,300 meters above sea level.
Vital guidelines for Residents
What safety measures should residents take?
Authorities have issued specific guidelines for residents:
Avoid waterways.
Limit travel.
Avoid basements and underground parking areas in the event of flooding.
Key Takeaways: Summary of Alerts and recommendations
| Hazard/Alert | Affected Area | Recommendations |
| ———————- | —————————- | ———————————————— |
| Road Closures | Saas Valley | Avoid needless travel. |
| Flood Alert | Rhone River (Gletsch-Martigny) | Avoid waterways, basements, and underground parking |
| maximum Rain Alert (Grade 5) | Sempione Area | follow local authority updates and guidelines.|
| Potential hazards | All Affected Areas | Stay informed about potential landslides, debris flows and rockfalls. |