Valsavaranche

Above approximately 2200 m the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

Above approximately 2200 m the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is greater.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes large wind slabs formed since Friday. The sometimes deep wind slabs of the last two days can be released easily or naturally in particular on steep northwest, east and southwest facing slopes above approximately 2500 m. Caution is to be exercised in particular in steep starting zones that have retained the snow thus far. In some places avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. The fresh wind slabs are to be assessed with care and prudence. Backcountry touring calls for defensive route selection. Caution is to be exercised in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. These exceptional weather conditions gave rise to significant moistening of the snowpack in all aspects below approximately 2300 m. In particular on very steep south and east facing slopes small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible.

The surface of the snowpack is hardly frozen at all, especially below approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of rising temperatures and rain up to approximately 2300 m the snowpack settled. In particular east, north and west facing slopes: Weak layers exist in the snowpack above the tree line. Reports filed by observers and stability tests confirm the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. The snowpack is wet, in particular below the tree line. Below approximately 2000 m only a little snow is lying.

Light snowfall to above 2300 m. These weather conditions will cause a slight rise in the avalanche danger towards the evening above approximately 2500 m.