Rhemes Valley

The wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence. In addition an appreciable danger of wet and gliding avalanches exists.

The wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence. In addition an appreciable danger of wet and gliding avalanches exists.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes large wind slabs formed especially above approximately 2300 m. The near-surface layers of the snowpack can be released even by individual winter sport participants on wind-loaded slopes. Such avalanche prone locations are to be found also in places that are some distance from ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular in the regions exposed to the foehn wind further warming. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack. Medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2600 m, especially on very steep sunny slopes.

In some localities 10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Monday above approximately 2200 m. Up to 2000 m rain has fallen. Until Friday the wind will be strong over a wide area. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The upper section of the snowpack is unfavourably layered. Naturally triggered avalanches and field observations confirm the complex avalanche situation in particular in the regions exposed to substantial precipitation.

The danger will persist.