Rhemes Valley

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger. Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous.

In particular in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high) intensive snowfall to intermediate altitudes: 25 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Monday above approximately 2000 m. This applies in particular in the regions neighbouring those that are subject to danger level 4 (high). As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the size of the avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. The fresh wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on north to east to south facing aspects above approximately 2400 m. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches easily. The avalanches can be triggered in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in some cases. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. As the precipitation becomes more intense more frequent dry avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones, in particular in case of releases originating from very steep starting zones at elevated altitudes. The avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in isolated cases.

10 to 25 cm of snow has fallen since Thursday above approximately 2500 m. In the last few days the weather was mild. The rain gave rise to thorough wetting of the old snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2500 m. The old snowpack is unfavourably layered. The snowpack remains weakly bonded on shady slopes. The wind slabs are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls.

Above approximately 1500 m snow will fall until Monday. The danger of dry avalanches will increase.