Valgrisenche

The wind slabs represent the main danger.

The wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, large surface-area wind slabs formed since Wednesday above approximately 2100 m. Avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases, especially on very steep slopes above approximately 2600 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Meticulous route selection is important. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. The presence of numerous potentially unstable frames is noted, attention to the areas below. In particular on very steep grassy slopes individual medium-sized ground avalanches are possible between approximately 2400 and 2800 m. This applies on very steep south and southwest facing slopes. As a consequence of warming and solar radiation a high danger of moist snow slides will prevail. This applies on extreme sunny slopes, and in steep rocky terrain below approximately 2900 m.

Over a wide area there is more snow than usual, in particular above approximately 2200 m. 40 to 70 cm of snow has fallen since Monday above approximately 2500 m. The strong wind has transported the new snow. Weak layers exist in the snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable. In the last two days on very steep grassy slopes several medium-sized avalanches occurred naturally. This applies on south and southwest facing slopes.

Continuous warming: These conditions will foster a gradual change towards better conditions in particular at intermediate and high altitudes.