Middle Lys Valley

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger. The avalanche prone locations are covered with new snow and are therefore difficult to recognise.

10 to 20 cm of snow will fall until Sunday above approximately 1600 m. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes moderate southeasterly wind, further wind slabs will form during the course of the night. The new snow and wind slabs of last week are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on very steep shady slopes. In particular above approximately 2400 m these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. They can be released by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. As a consequence of the snowfall, the likelihood of avalanches being released will increase on steep slopes. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack indicate a precarious avalanche situation. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for meticulous route selection.

25 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last five days above approximately 2000 m. On Monday the wind was moderate to strong. The high humditiy gave rise to moistening of the old snowpack in all aspects below approximately 2400 m. The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on a crust on steep sunny slopes. In shady places that are protected from the wind above approximately 2500 m: The new snow is lying on soft layers. In all aspects less snow than usual is lying. On sunny slopes below approximately 2500 m hardly any snow is lying.

The avalanche danger will persist.