The Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS) has been measuring snow depths on Swiss glaciers for years. Something special has happened in recent months. So much snow has fallen that amounts are now at record levels. After two years with little snow, this is a good start to the warmest season in winter sports country.
Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network: 2023/2024
The latest official report from GLAMOS includes snow amounts and snow density. The measurements were made at 14 different locations near the glaciers over the past two months. The report draws an important conclusion: there is a clear increase in snow cover on glaciers in Switzerland. Since the beginning of April, heavy snow has fallen again and the snow level above 1500 meters has risen significantly. Conditions were very good to maintain and even increase snow cover on many glaciers.
Some snow updates as of April 2024:
Positive news
The last two years have been disastrous in terms of numbers. The summers of 2022 and 2023 caused significant ice losses. This was due to the lack of rainfall in winter. On average, there is now an increase of three to six meters compared to the same period last year. These are record numbers in many places. The numbers being measured now are in line with those from 2019. GLAMOS data shows that there is an overall surplus of snow of between 12% and 60% on the 14 glaciers compared to the period 2010-2020. The average is 31% more snow.
The amount of snow is above average
There is no clear trend in the locations of snowfall at the glaciers examined. There are a few recognizable weather patterns. The snowfall on the glaciers of Ticino and Engadine was remarkable, where new records have now been set. There is also large amounts of snow on the glaciers in western Switzerland and on the northern hills of the Alps. The situation in southern Valais and the central Swiss Alps is also above average, but not exceptional.
Winter season 2023/2024
During the 2023/2024 winter season, heavy snow fell for the first time in Switzerland at the end of October and December. At that time, GLAMOS was already recording significant volumes. This phase was followed by a very moderate period, which led to the disappearance of surpluses again. Rainfall was above average from March to May. Snow continued to fall, especially in southern Switzerland.
Glamus measurements
GLAMOS scientists usually make two or three snow measurements each year in 50 to 200 different places in Switzerland. All this to know the current status of the glaciers in the winter sports country. Snow density is also measured to determine if snow is melting faster or slower than average.
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