Middle Lys Valley

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases, this also applies at a distance from ridgelines, caution is to be exercised on very steep slopes at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Where the wind was less strong, soft, but not very visible, slabs formed. Shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. In isolated cases the dry avalanches can be released in deep layers of the snowpack and reach medium size. As a consequence of warming and solar radiation, the natural avalanche activity will gradually increase, in particular on extremely steep sunny slopes. As the day progresses, a few natural avalanches are possible. This also applies at the base of rock walls.

In some localities 5 to 20 cm of snow fell on Tuesday above approximately 2000 m. The wind was strong to storm force. At higher altitudes, snow cover becomes thinner and patchy; it is better at mid-altitudes, which are less exposed to the wind. The surface snowpack changes rapidly depending on the aspect and gradient: crusts of various types and thicknesses alternate. In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard crust, especially adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. The solar radiation will give rise to increasing consolidation of the snowpack.

The danger of moist and wet avalanches will increase. The weather conditions will facilitate a strengthening of the snow drift accumulations.