Valgrisenche

Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are especially unfavourable.

Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are especially unfavourable.

The wind slabs can still be released in some cases above approximately 2000 m. Avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow especially at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. These can be released in near-surface layers. Whumpfing sounds are a clear indication. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation more small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized dry and moist avalanches are possible below approximately 3000 m, in particular on rocky sunny slopes, as well as at the base of rock walls in particular below approximately 3000 m.

Isolated medium-sized slab avalanches have been released in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry slab avalanches have been released as a consequence of the strong northwesterly wind. On Tuesday the wind was strong to storm force. The wind slabs are lying on unfavourable layers in particular on shady slopes. Isolated whumpfing sounds and weak layers in the old snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. In all aspects snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2000 m, depending on the infuence of the wind.

As a consequence of rising temperatures and solar radiation and the mostly light wind, the snow drift accumulations will stabilise during the next few days. The danger of moist avalanches will decrease gradually.