Rhemes Valley

In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

In steep terrain there is a danger of falling on the hard snow surface.

The hard wind slabs are easy to recognise and can be released in isolated cases especially at their margins, in particular on extremely steep slopes in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. At transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack the likelihood of avalanches being released is greater. Until the temperature drops only isolated moist and wet avalanches are possible as the day progresses, in particular in steep rocky terrain, and on very steep grassy slopes, caution is to be exercised on very steep south and southwest facing slopes.

Above approximately 2300 m a lot of snow is lying. Snow depths vary greatly at high altitude, depending on the infuence of the wind. More recent wind slabs are to be found also areas not adjacent to ridgelines. As a consequence of the strong to storm force wind, a crust formed on the surface. The snowpack is largely stable and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is strong in many cases. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to moistening of the snowpack in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2900 m.

The avalanche danger will persist.