“It’s just wow”: what is this rare natural phenomenon observed in the Swiss Jura?

The illusion is almost perfect. At dawn this Monday, November 4, a cascade of clouds slides over the Swiss Jura mountains. Nicolas Gascard, photographer, is captivated: “Oh my, the wave is going to be magnificent”he says in the TF1 news report above, while the mist dances between the fir trees. This ephemeral spectacle is only seen about three times a year, so it has to be earned.

Nicolas doesn’t count his hours of sleep to photograph the moment. The hunt begins at five in the morning. “It’s sleepless nights, kilometers accumulated for sometimes nothing at all”he emphasizes. At an altitude of 1000 metres, a sea of ​​vapor is presented to his astonished eyes.

After twenty years with his head in the clouds, it is impossible for Nicolas to tire of such a suspended moment. “The ghostly side associated with light, with its movements, gives incredible effects. Everything forms very quickly and everything disintegrates quickly. It is this form of unpredictability that makes me want to constantly photograph these phenomena”he admits.

Precise alignment of weather conditions

At the origin of these waterfalls, there is a precise alignment of weather conditions. The cold, humid air rushes down the slopes and mixes with the milder air at altitude. Add to this a wind perpendicular to the mountain and this explains why this mist remains attached to the relief.

“It’s magnificent, it’s very impressive”exclaims a tourist when faced with this scene as poetic as it is intriguing. “It’s magical, it’s the first time for me. I can’t really describe it, it’s just wow!” added another.

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After thirty minutes of grace, nature offers a new picture. At sunrise, the Swiss Jura mountains are revealed under the first rays.