World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Unstable ice above Randa raises risk of a larger avalanche
An unstable ice block is moving downhill on the Weisshorn above Randa, a village in Switzerland’s Valais canton.
The block is moving by up to 20 centimetres a day, and published estimates differ: one gives its weight as 250,000 tonnes, another its volume as about 300,000 cubic metres.
New snow could make a collapse more dangerous if it gathers on the flatter ground below the glacier and is swept along with the ice.
That could create an ice-and-snow avalanche with a much greater reach than falling ice alone.
Experts assess the danger every day, using camera surveillance and a device that tracks the block’s movement; authorities say people in Randa are not currently at risk.
The canton has temporarily closed a gravel pit and walking and mountain-bike routes in the hazard zone.
Mild November temperatures could help the ice break off in smaller amounts before winter, but monitoring continues.
An unstable ice block above Randa in the Swiss canton of Valais is moving downhill by up to 20 centimetres a day.
Experts warn that new snow could make a possible collapse more dangerous by triggering a larger ice-and-snow avalanche.
The ice block is being monitored daily, and the canton says people in Randa are not currently in danger.
The gravel works and routes in the danger zone have been closed temporarily.
Mild temperatures in November could cause the ice to break off in smaller pieces before winter.
- Who
- The community of Randa and experts monitoring the ice block, including Valais natural hazards engineer Norbert Carlen.
- What
- An unstable ice block above Randa could collapse; new snow could increase the reach of an avalanche.
- When
- The risk was reported on 22 October 2026. The ice is being assessed daily.
- Where
- The hanging glacier on the Weisshorn above Randa, in Valais, Switzerland.
- Why
- Snow on the flatter area below the glacier could be carried along in a collapse, creating a larger ice-and-snow avalanche.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Randa intensified monitoring of the Weisshorn after increased glacier movement.
Reports said the ice block was moving downhill by up to 20 centimetres a day and that new snow could increase the danger.
The ice is assessed daily, while the gravel works and routes in the danger zone are closed.
Mild temperatures could cause the ice block to break off in smaller pieces before winter.
- Ice block mass
- About 250,000 tonnes, according to 20 Minuten and Blick
- Ice volume
- About 300,000 cubic metres, according to Watson
- Daily movement
- Up to 20 centimetres
- Monitoring
- Danger situation assessed daily
- Access restrictions
- Gravel works, hiking trails and mountain-bike routes in the danger zone closed temporarily
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