Valgrisenche

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger.

The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field, so that the avalanche danger should be investigated especially thoroughly in the relevant locality. Large quantities of fresh snow and the wind-drifted snow of the last three days are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on shady slopes, also on sunny slopes above approximately 2600 m. Soft slabs are present, especially on very steep leeward slopes. They can be quite thick and easily detached. As the wind blows, they will gradually compact throughout the day. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in many places, including large ones. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended. Off-piste activities call for caution. Here natural avalanches, capable of reaching a long way, must be expected in isolated cases. This applies especially on very steep east, south and southeast facing slopes.

Down to low altitudes snow fell in the last three days. 70 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday above approximately 2000 m. The large quantity of fresh snow as well as the wind slabs are bonding only slowly with the old snowpack in all aspects. New snow is lying on old snow containing large grains. Wednesday: Especially in the north in some localities 15 cm of snow, but less in some localities, will fall above approximately 1800 m. The northerly wind will transport the new snow.

Some small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of solar radiation.