Saint-Pierre and Saint-Nicholas

Weakly bonded old snow on northwest, north and east facing slopes. Backcountry touring calls for defensive route selection.

Weakly bonded old snow on northwest, north and east facing slopes. Backcountry touring calls for defensive route selection.

As a consequence of, heavy snowfall the moderate to strong southeasterly wind, an unfavourable avalanche situation will develop. Medium-sized and, in many cases, large natural avalanches are possible. In particular from starting zones at higher altitudes large natural avalanches, capable of reaching a long way in some cases, must be expected. In addition the danger of powder avalanches will increase as the day progresses. Weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack on northwest, north and east facing slopes. Weak layers near the ground can be released by individual winter sport participants. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. The avalanche prone locations are widespread barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. In particular transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack are especially dangerous.

Over a wide area over a wide area 40 to 80 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Sunday above approximately 1500 m. 30 to 50 cm of snow fell in the last seven days above approximately 2000 m. The southeasterly wind will transport the new snow. The weather was cloudy. Towards its base, the snowpack is unfavourably layered; its surface consists of faceted crystals. Stability tests and field observations confirm a precarious avalanche situation.

Monday: Gradual increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of the moderate to strong northwesterly wind.