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Avalanche Accidents
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Geographical terminologyGiven Switzerland's highly structured territory, both the general weather conditions and the designation of danger levels can be satisfactorily depicted only by making regional distinctions. On the one hand, it is rare for the same conditions to prevail throughout the entire Swiss Alps and, on the other, it is impractical to mention each of the 100 subregions in every Avalanche Bulletin. For this reason, regions are grouped according to the current conditions, and readily understandable terminology is used, in some cases in compliance with the regional names used in weather reports. Important is the climatic and geographical division of the Swiss Alps into two zones: the northern and southern flank of the alps. Depending on the situation, reference can be made to the major political regions, which facilitates a more detailed subdivision. Expressions such as "Lower Valais" or "Glarner Alps" are generally known. The political subdivisions, on the other hand, are seldom mentioned. The use of names for small districts requires good geographical knowledge on the part of the user, which cannot be assumed to exist among foreign visitors. This map shows the "Main Alpine Ridge" and the "Northern Alpine Ridge". The Main Alpine Ridge extends approximately from the Great St. Bernhard Pass via the Monte Rosa, Simplon, Gotthard, Lukmanier, San Bernardino, Maloja and Bernina Passes to beyond the Ofen Pass. The Northern Alpine Ridge covers a belt from the Dent du Midi via the Wildstrubel and Jungfrau regions, Gotthard, Tödi and Vorab, and into the Alpstein region. The Inneralpine Regions are generally understood to encompass the regions between the main Alpine ridge and the northern Alpine ridge, namely central Valais, parts of northern and central Grisons, and Engadine. An area of particular significance is the Gotthard region: it comprises Obergoms, Grimsel, Furka, Urserental, Göscheneralptal, Oberalp, Tavetsch, Lukmanier, northernmost Leventina, Bedrettotal and the Nufenen Pass region. The Grisons southern valleys include Misox, Calanca, Bergell, Puschlav and Münstertal. Great care is required when interpreting references in the context of backcountry tours in regional border areas. For example, the approach by car to the Jungfrau region is usually from the north (northern flank of the Alps, Bernese Oberland or eastern Bernese Oberland), while the backcountry touring region lies mostly in the territory of Valais (Valais, Upper Valais, northern Valais or Goms). Furthermore, the assignment of danger levels to regional border areas is indistinct. These intermediate areas cover several kilometres. Those undertaking backcountry tours (on skis, snowboards or snowshoes) in such areas must therefore consult the Avalanche Bulletin as a whole. |