Valgrisenche

Wind slabs represent the main danger. The extensive wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.

Wind slabs represent the main danger. The extensive wind slabs are clearly recognisable to the trained eye.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed in the last two days at intermediate and high altitudes. As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, soft wind slabs will form on Thursday in places that are protected from the wind. They are to be evaluated with care and prudence in particular in very steep terrain. The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs to be found especially in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain can be released by a single winter sport participant above approximately 2200 m. On extreme slopes and at the base of rock walls small and medium-sized snow slides and avalanches are possible, in particular, along the border with France. Individual gliding avalanches can also occur. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided as far as possible. They are covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise.

15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last two days above approximately 2000 m, especially along the border with France. The new snow is lying on a crust in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2600 m. This snow is bonding only slowly with the old snowpack in particular on sunny slopes. In shady places that are protected from the wind: Towards its surface, the snowpack is dry and has a loosely bonded surface. Snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2200 m, depending on the infuence of the wind. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and at high altitude a little snow is lying. At low altitude less snow than usual is lying.

The wind will be light. The fresh and older wind slabs are bonding well with the old snowpack above the tree line.