Rhemes Valley

The new snow and wind slabs of last week represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs of last week represent the main danger.

Down to low altitudes snow will fall on Friday. The more recent wind slabs will be covered with new snow and therefore difficult to recognise. In particular in the northwest and at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions the avalanche prone locations are more widespread. Since Wednesday: The northwesterly wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. The sometimes deep wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant on steep north, east and south facing slopes above approximately 2000 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on steep slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Meticulous route selection is appropriate. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. On very steep slopes medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of new snow and wind.

30 to 50 cm of snow, but less in some localities, has fallen since Wednesday above approximately 2000 m. The upper section of the snowpack is unfavourably layered. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. On wind-loaded slopes small and medium-sized avalanches were released. The old snowpack is hard. Below approximately 1800 m thus far only a little snow is lying. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitude, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Saturday: Northerly wind. The avalanche danger will increase but remain within the current danger level.