Caught on Camera: Swiss controlled avalanche

A series of avalanches were triggered with controlled explosives in southern Switzerland on Tuesday (January 15) as the high level of snowfall in recent days prompted maximum avalanche alert in a large swathe of the country.

Helicopter crews dropped controlled explosives on top of the mountain range near Grimentz ski station. They filmed three avalanches triggered by explosions barreling down the mountainside.

The controlled explosions are triggered to mitigate the risk of avalanches and prevent larger snow slides and are being conducted in various parts of Swiss Alps.

Davos municipality, in eastern Switzerland, advised people to stay in basement rooms with window shutters closed at the time of the controlled avalanche, a week ahead of World Economic Forum.