Rhemes Valley

More recent wind slabs represent the main danger.

More recent wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, large surface-area wind slabs formed since Wednesday above approximately 2100 m. Avalanches can be released, even by small loads in isolated cases, especially on very steep slopes above approximately 2500 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. At elevated altitudes the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Meticulous route selection is important. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. The presence of numerous potentially unstable frames is noted, attention to the areas below. At high altitude individual medium-sized dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of the moderate northerly wind. As a consequence of warming and solar radiation a very high danger of moist snow slides will prevail. This applies on extreme sunny slopes, and in steep rocky terrain below approximately 2700 m.

Over a wide area there is more snow than usual, in particular above approximately 2200 m. 40 to 70 cm of snow has fallen since Monday above approximately 2500 m. The rain gave rise to rapid and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2400 m. And a rapid settlement of the snowpack below about 2200 m The strong wind has transported the new snow. Weak layers exist in the snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.

Continuous warming: These conditions will foster a gradual change towards better conditions in particular at intermediate altitudes.