Rhemes Valley

The wind slabs represent the main danger. They are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise.

The wind slabs represent the main danger. They are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise.

The new snow-covered wind slabs of last week are lying on soft layers in particular on north to east to southwest facing aspects above approximately 2000 m. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Weak layers exist in the top section of the snowpack here. Defensive route selection is appropriate. On very steep slopes only isolated small and medium-sized natural avalanches are possible.

10 to 20 cm of snow has fallen since Friday above approximately 2000 m. The upper section of the snowpack is unfavourably layered. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. Since Wednesday on wind-loaded slopes numerous small and medium-sized avalanches were released. The old snowpack is hard. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitude, depending on the infuence of the wind. 5 to 15 cm of snow will fall until Wednesday above approximately 1500 m.

Little snow will fall until late morning. The avalanche danger will persist.