Rhemes Valley

New snow and wind slabs require caution. The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow.

New snow and wind slabs require caution. The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow.

Down to low altitudes snow has fallen. The somewhat older wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular in the northwest and at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Since Saturday The northwesterly wind will transport the new snow significantly. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. The soft wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant on north, east and south facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. 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. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. In areas close to the tree line a precarious avalanche situation will be encountered in some regions. Meticulous route selection is appropriate. On very steep slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large natural avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind.

40 to 60 cm of snow, but less in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday 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. On wind-loaded slopes small and medium-sized avalanches were released. On very steep slopes several medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large avalanches occurred naturally. The old snowpack is hard. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitude, depending on the infuence of the wind. Below approximately 1800 m thus far only a little snow is lying.

Sunday: In particular in the regions of the north exposed to the foehn wind moderate northwesterly wind. The avalanche danger will persist.