Unusual snowfalls on high passes

Despite being mid-May, the higher ground is getting a massive amount of snow.

Snow ploughs are working around the clock to keep the Gotthard Pass clear so it should be able to open at the end of the month as scheduled. The pass is 2,100 meters high.

One forecaster David Volken from Weather online, told the Blick, 8 meters of snow has recently fallen.

The large amount at this time of year is highly unusual, he says. The season saw little snow at the start – most has fallen in the second half. 

Workers at other passes are also working to hit the opening times. The Klausen, San Bernadino and Albula are normally open by the end of May, but hitting that date is uncertain. 

Higher passes, such as the Nufenen which is 2,478 meters, normally opens in June. But there’s 10 meters of snow to clear.

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