Middle Lys Valley

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. During the course of the night as the snowfall becomes more intense there will be only a slight increase in the avalanche danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. During the course of the night as the snowfall becomes more intense there will be only a slight increase in the avalanche danger.

Up to 40 cm of snow will fall until late morning above approximately 2000 m. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line. They can as before be released, even by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size, in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can in some places be released in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Whumpfing sounds and shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. From starting zones at higher altitudes and in steep rocky terrain small and medium-sized dry avalanches are possible.

Over a wide area 50 to 70 cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday. The natural avalanche activity has gradually decreased. The high temperatures on Monday gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all regions below approximately 2800 m. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas above approximately 2400 m. Wind slabs are to be found also adjacent to ridgelines. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

Decrease in avalanche danger as the temperature drops.