Rhemes Valley

The wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. The near-surface layers of the snowpack necessitate caution and restraint.

The wind slabs are to be avoided in particular in very steep terrain. The near-surface layers of the snowpack necessitate caution and restraint.

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. They are to be assessed with care and prudence. In particular at intermediate and high altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. 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. On wind-loaded slopes dry loose snow avalanches are possible above approximately 2300 m, in particular in the vicinity of peaks, especially in case of releases originating from very steep starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack. Small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2300 m, especially on very steep sunny slopes. In addition in areas not adjacent to ridgelines, individual medium-sized gliding avalanches are possible. Areas with glide cracks are to be avoided.

In some localities 10 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since yesterday 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. Artificially triggered avalanches and stability tests confirm the complex avalanche situation in particular in the regions exposed to substantial precipitation. The weather conditions will bring about a weakening of the near-surface layers on Wednesday in particular on very steep sunny slopes, in particular below approximately 2300 m.

The danger will persist. The extensive wind slabs represent the main danger. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation moist and wet avalanches are possible.