Middle Lys Valley

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign.

The new snow and wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes above the tree line. They can as before 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. Avalanches can in some places be released in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. In the last three days on steep slopes many medium-sized avalanches were released. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. From starting zones at higher altitudes and in extremely steep terrain individual small and medium-sized avalanches are possible.

15 to 30 cm of snow has fallen since Monday. The natural avalanche activity has gradually decreased. The high temperatures gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all regions below approximately 2800 m. 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 adjacent to ridgelines. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations.

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.