Valsavaranche

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Fresh wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Wind slabs: As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes moderate northwesterly wind, mostly small wind slabs formed on Friday in particular above approximately 2300 m. The new snow and wind slabs can be released easily. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on very steep slopes and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Persistent weak layers Distinct weak layers exist deep in the snowpack. Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. These avalanche prone locations are rather rare but are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain. Whumpfing sounds are a clear indication.

10 to 20 cm of snow fell during the night above approximately 2000 m. The moderate wind has transported the new snow significantly. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. The number of places where avalanches can be triggered has clearly decreased, but not the size of avalanches. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. In all aspects snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2000 m, depending on the infuence of the wind. At low and intermediate altitudes from a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.

The avalanche danger will persist. In particular on extremely steep sunny slopes mostly small avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.