Middle Lys Valley

New snow above approximately 500 m.

New snow above approximately 500 m.

Distinct weak layers exist in the snowpack on steep north, northeast and northwest facing slopes. Between approximately 2200 and 2700 m the likelihood of avalanches is quite high. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily, including medium-sized ones. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and artificially triggered avalanches confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs formed during the snowfall can be released easily or naturally in particular on very steep shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In particular on very steep shady slopes the avalanches can penetrate even deep layers and reach large size in isolated cases. As a consequence of the moderate northwesterly wind the prevalence of the avalanche prone locations will increase in the afternoon. The conditions are precarious for ski touring, freeriding and snowshoe hiking outside marked and open pistes.

10 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Friday. The new snow is lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack above approximately 2000 m. Numerous weak layers exist in the snowpack especially on shady slopes. Below approximately 2500 m a little snow is lying on south facing slopes.

The avalanche danger will persist. As a consequence of the strong northerly wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent.