Monregalese Valleys

The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh snow and very particularly the sometimes deep wind slabs can be released easily, or, in isolated cases naturally above the tree line, especially on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The avalanche prone locations are sometimes covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise. Dry avalanches can be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls. This also applies in areas where the snow cover is rather shallow. Backcountry touring calls for experience and restraint.

Over a wide area over a wide area 30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Saturday above approximately 1300 m. In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. In high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.