Rhemes Valley

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs represent the main danger.

20 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since yesterday above approximately 2000 m, in particular along the border with France. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes large wind slabs formed above approximately 2300 m. The fresh wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on steep north, east and south facing slopes. At elevated altitudes these avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Above 2700 m where it has not rained the old snowdrifts have been covered by the latest snowfall. In particular at high altitude more medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of the moderate northwesterly wind. At low altitude only isolated small wet and gliding avalanches are possible. Meticulous route selection is recommended.

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 rain gave rise to rapid and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2400 m. And a rapid settlement of the snowpack below about 2200 m As a consequence of falling temperatures a crust will form on the surface. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.

The danger will decrease gradually.