Valgrisenche

Wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.

Wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.

The sometimes strong wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. Above the tree line sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form. The prevalence of these avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. The fresh and older wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases in particular on north to east to southeast facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. In some places avalanches can also be released in near-ground layers. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for careful route selection. Medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large natural avalanches are possible on wind-loaded slopes.

15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall above approximately 2200 m. Individual weak layers exist in the snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Towards its surface, the snowpack is hard and its surface has a melt-freeze crust, especially below approximately 2300 m. Below approximately 2000 m only a little snow is lying.

As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be an additional increase in the danger. And in particular the wind slabs that are forming over a wide area represent the main danger.