Pontey-Clavalité

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

In particular at intermediate and high altitudes sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. Wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep northwest to north to northeast facing slopes and in places that are protected from the wind. Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are especially unfavourable. Off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and on very steep slopes dry avalanches are possible as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small.

Little snow will fall on Sunday in some localities. Snow depths vary greatly at intermediate and high altitudes, depending on the infuence of the wind. Weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular at intermediate altitudes. Over a wide area wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. The weather conditions on Saturday gave rise to slight moistening of the snowpack in particular on very steep sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies a crust will form on the surface. The conditions will facilitate a gradual strengthening of the snowpack. The snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations.

The avalanche danger will persist.