Valgrisenche

The soft wind slabs are in some cases deep and to be assessed with care and prudence.

The soft wind slabs are in some cases deep and to be assessed with care and prudence.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate wind from variable directions, soft wind slabs formed in the last few days. They are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack. At intermediate and high altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches, including medium-sized ones, caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain also above approximately 2000 m. On west, northwest and north facing slopes the avalanches can be triggered in deep layers of the snowpack and reach large size in isolated cases. In addition medium-sized dry slab avalanches are possible. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for careful route selection.

Wednesday: 15 to 25 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell by the evening. 10 to 20 cm of snow fell in the last few days above approximately 2000 m. The moderate wind has transported the new snow. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on north, east and west facing slopes. Surface frost is present at various exposures and altitudes, now buried by fresh snow.

The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual change towards better conditions. The danger of natural avalanches will decrease gradually.