Swiss Experts Downplay Risk From Unstable Glacier

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Swiss authorities have warned that part of the Weisshorn East hanging glacier above Randa, in canton Valais, could collapse in the coming days after accelerated movement and several icefalls over the weekend. Local officials and experts, however, stress that the situation is being closely monitored and poses no immediate threat to residents. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss experts downplay risk from unstable glacier This content was published on August 26, 2026 - 14:29 5 minutes SRF

The glacier, which has been under surveillance since the end of June, showed significant movement over the weekend. Large chunks of ice broke away on three occasions on August 24, prompting authorities to increase monitoring.

Despite the heightened alert, Randa Mayor Frédéric Imboden sought to reassure residents, insisting that the situation is nothing new.“This glacier has been monitored for years and there are always movements – sometimes more, sometimes less,” he told Swiss public television SRF.

A danger zone has been defined and marked out since June. A ban on entry remains in force within the defined perimeter until further notice. In addition, the official access routes for pedestrians and cyclists remain closed.

'Part of life in the Alps'

Imboden said the village's 479 residents are not at risk.

“The residential area is not in the danger zone,” he told SRF, noting that people in Randa are accustomed to living alongside natural hazards and understand the risks.

Residents interviewed by SRF echoed the mayor's assessment, describing the situation as a familiar aspect of life in the Alps.

Norbert Carlen, a natural hazards engineer for canton Valais, said further icefalls are likely. But it is impossible to predict whether a small section or a much larger portion of the glacier will break away.

In a worst-case scenario, several hundred thousand cubic metres of ice could collapse. Even then, the village itself would not be endangered, he said:“At the moment, the security personnel, the municipality and the canton have taken all possible measures to protect the population.”

'Nothing new'

Glaciologist Martin Funk also downplayed concerns, describing the current developments as typical behaviour for hanging glaciers and“nothing new”.

“At some point, they reach a size they can no longer support and then the glacier or parts of it break off,” he said.

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