Rhemes Valley

The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, wind slabs formed in the last few days in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. As a consequence of the moderate to strong wind the prevalence and size of these avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. They must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on north to east to south facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones. In particular on steep shady slopes the avalanches can be triggered in the faceted old snow and reach large size in some cases. Backcountry touring calls for meticulous route selection. Until the temperature drops more moist and wet avalanches are possible as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones.

10 to 25 cm of snow has fallen since Thursday above approximately 2600 m. In the last few days the weather was mild. The rain gave rise to thorough wetting of the old snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2500 m. The old snowpack is unfavourably layered. The snowpack remains weakly bonded on shady slopes. The wind slabs are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Evening and night: Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be barely evident. The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust only at high altitudes and will already be soft in the early morning.

Above approximately 1500 m snow will fall until Monday. The danger of dry avalanches will increase.