Snowfall approaching in the Alps

According to the Deutscher Alpenverein forecast for 9–11 October, a sharp weather change follows a dry spell: a short winter window with fresh snow in the high mountains, then windy, changeable autumn weather. Over the weekend the snow line is expected to swing roughly between 2,300 m (Saturday) and 1,800 m (Sunday). A thin cover on glaciers can hide narrow crevasses; high huts are already closed.

North of the Alps — the main precipitation zone: by Friday morning above ~2,500 m, 20–30 cm of new snow, locally up to 40 cm (MeteoSwiss); early Friday the snow line near the northern fringe may drop to ~1,600 m, then rise again. South of the Alps — mostly cloudy under a low; later in the weekend the southern West Alps have a better chance of sun. West — from Saturday morning a new band of cloud and rain that then drifts east. East — stronger rain/snow from the north overnight into Friday; by Saturday the system covers the eastern chain.

High alpine and rock routes look poor for the weekend; Friday is still the relatively better hiking day, then wet paths, wind and limited visibility. Destination overview: Alps.