Monregalese Valleys

With the onset of the intense snowfall, the avalanche activity will rapidly increase. Numerous avalanches are to be expected, even large ones.

With the onset of the intense snowfall, the avalanche activity will rapidly increase. Numerous avalanches are to be expected, even large ones.

Rapid increase in avalanche danger as a consequence of new snow and wind. The new snow can be released easily or naturally in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line. Avalanches can in some cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size. In the typical avalanche paths in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation the avalanches can reach fairly large size and in some places endanger transportation routes that are exposed. Single backcountry tourers can release avalanches easily, caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase from the early morning. The current avalanche situation calls for great caution and restraint. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack.

40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall in the next few hours above approximately 1200 m. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on shady slopes above approximately 1400 m. Shady slopes: The snowpack is fairly homogeneous; its surface is loosely bonded and consists of surface hoar and faceted crystals. Steep sunny slopes: The snowpack is well consolidated and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases.

Wednesday: The large quantity of fresh snow as well as the sometimes deep wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Remotely triggered and natural avalanches are probable.