Valsavaranche

The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly.

The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from northwesterly directions, deep wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as well as at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. The fresh snow and the wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes. In particular in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation and from starting zones at higher altitudes small to medium-sized dry and moist avalanches are to be expected. Especially on very steep north facing slopes the dry avalanches can release the saturated snowpack and can reach as far as low altitudes. The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant, in all aspects above approximately 2400 m. The backcountry and freeriding conditions are unfavourable.

25 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since yesterday above approximately 2500 m. Less snow than usual is lying. On sunny slopes below approximately 2300 m from a snow sport perspective, insufficient snow is lying. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack especially on steep shady slopes. Since yesterday in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation numerous small to medium-sized avalanches were reported.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually.