Valgrisenche

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated with care and prudence.

As a consequence of a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, wind slabs formed since Tuesday above the tree line. The more recent wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack in particular on north to northeast to south facing aspects. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in some cases. In particular in regions of the north exposed to the foehn wind the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. These avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Ski touring and other off-piste activities, including snowshoe hiking, call for caution and restraint. More dry snow slides and avalanches are possible as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones, especially on extremely steep slopes.

20 to 40 cm of snow fell on Monday in all altitude zones. The areas bordering France are most affected. The covering of new snow is soft. The upper section of the snowpack is unfavourably layered and its surface consists of loosely bonded snow lying on a crust,, also above approximately 2200 m. Towards its base, the snowpack is largely stable.

The danger will persist. Thursday: Evening and night: Some snow will fall.