Middle Lys Valley

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate southeasterly wind, further wind slabs formed in the last few days. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At intermediate and high altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. But, especially in the upper reaches of the valleys. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. In particular on steep shady slopes the avalanches can be triggered in the old snow. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger. On extremely steep sunny slopes and at the base of rock walls only isolated dry and moist avalanches are possible as the day progresses, but they will be mostly small.

20 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Tuesday above approximately 2000 m. Several medium-sized dry slab avalanches have been released by people in the last few days. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. In all altitude zones a little snow is lying on south facing slopes. At intermediate and high altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger.

On Tuesday the wind will be moderate to strong in particular along the border with Switzerland. The new snow and wind slabs of last week are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes.