Middle Lys Valley

Plenty of fresh snow, windy conditions and rising temperatures below 2,500 metres; high avalanche risk.

Plenty of fresh snow, windy conditions and rising temperatures below 2,500 metres; high avalanche risk.

Over a wide area 80 to 120 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Sunday above approximately 1500 m. Strong north-easterly winds will resurface the abundant fresh snow that has fallen, forming new, large drifts. High-altitude starting zones will be replenished further. The large quantity of fresh snow as well as the wind slabs can be released easily or naturally. As a consequence of warming during the day and the solar radiation, the likelihood of avalanches being released will increase in particular on very steep sunny slopes. In addition as the day progresses at low and intermediate altitudes, numerous moist and wet avalanches are to be expected. Slides can occur on steep grassy slopes,, also on road cut slopes. The conditions are dangerous for ski touring, freeriding and snowshoe hiking.

The new snow remains for the foreseeable future prone to triggering. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to rapid moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2400 m. Especially steep shady slopes high altitudes and the high Alpine regions: Towards its surface, the snowpack is unfavourably layered. Weak layers exist in the old snowpack here. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas as well as at high altitude snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

The danger of dry avalanches will decrease gradually. Increase in danger of moist and wet avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.