Valgrisenche

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs can 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. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. In all aspects and in steep rocky terrain individual medium-sized to large avalanches are possible, in particular in case of releases originating from starting zones above the tree line.

Over a wide area 25 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since yesterday above approximately 2000 m. In the last three days on steep shady slopes many small and medium-sized avalanches were released. The natural avalanche activity has gradually decreased. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas above approximately 2300 m. Wind slabs are to be found also areas not adjacent to ridgelines. The high temperatures gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all regions below approximately 2800 m. The new snow has settled to a large extent on sunny slopes.

As the day progresses as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation there will be an increase in the danger of dry and wet avalanches within the current danger level.