Valgrisenche

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. During the course of the night as the snowfall becomes more intense there will be a gradual increase in the avalanche danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. During the course of the night as the snowfall becomes more intense there will be a gradual increase in the avalanche danger.

Up to 40 cm of snow will fall until late morning above approximately 2000 m. Here the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. They can be released, even by a single winter sport participant or triggered naturally, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The danger exists in particular in alpine snow sports terrain. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. In all aspects and in steep rocky terrain medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry avalanches are to be expected. Caution is to be exercised in case of releases originating from starting zones above the tree line. In the typical avalanche paths here the avalanches can in isolated cases reach intermediate altitudes.

Over a wide area 80 to 130 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday above approximately 2300 m. The natural avalanche activity has gradually decreased. The high temperatures on Monday gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all regions below approximately 2800 m. The new snow has settled to a large extent on sunny slopes. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas above approximately 2600 m. Wind slabs are to be found also areas not adjacent to ridgelines. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

Decrease in avalanche danger as the temperature drops.