In January 2018, heavy snowfalls caused an extraordinary avalanche situation in Switzerland with an extent not observed since the avalanche winter of 1999. The amount of precipitation was far above the long-term average und in parts of the Swiss Alps even twice the average. For the first time since 1999, the highest danger level 5-Very High was forecast for a 36-hour period and for most regions of the Swiss Alps. We present key findings of the analysis of this extraordinary event and show that the mitigation efforts taken after the catastrophic events in February 1999 were effective. Despite very high avalanche activity, there was no loss of life and damage to property was limited.