Rhemes Valley

Backcountry touring calls for meticulous route selection. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches.

Backcountry touring calls for meticulous route selection. Even single backcountry tourers can release avalanches.

The wind was moderate at times in particular along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland. As a consequence of wind from westerly directions, sometimes deep wind slabs formed. They can be released easily by a single winter sport participant, this also applies on steep slopes, caution is to be exercised in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. (--), in particular along the border with France. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Natural avalanches: Dry slab avalanches and dry loose snow avalanches are still possible, especially on very steep slopes.

30 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days. The moderate wind has transported the new snow. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. Numerous medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry slab avalanches have been released on wind-loaded slopes. On Friday in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain small and medium-sized avalanches were released. Isolated whumpfing sounds and natural avalanches serve as an alarm sign.

The danger of natural avalanches will decrease gradually.