What to do after a snowfall
Once the snow has stopped falling, there can be large amounts of snow lying on roads, roofs and trees. The avalanche situation usually remains critical, and as long as it does, certain safety rules should be followed.
You should also be prepared for further dangers, particularly when a rise in temperatures causes rapid melting of large snow deposits and leads to swollen rivers and streams.
If you live in an area where heavy snowfalls are likely, you should have your roof checked for damage after the snow has melted, and if necessary upgrade it in readiness for the following winter.
In addition, the following points should be observed:
- Keep an eye on local weather developments.
- Avoid travelling by car if at all possible, and use public transport instead.
- Stay away from forests and trees wherever possible (danger of falling trees or branches under the weight of their snowload).
- Clear snow from roofs (house, porch, conservatory etc.), and always take the appropriate safety pre-cautions when doing so.
- Be careful of snow sliding from roofs.
- Pay attention to daily avalanche bulletins and additional information from the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalance Research.
- Continue to follow the official advice.