Middle Lys Valley

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

Wind slabs are to be evaluated critically.

In some localities 15 to 30 cm of snow, but less in some localities, will fall above approximately 2300 m. The wind will be strong adjacent to ridgelines. In particular here the wind slabs will increase in size moderately. The fresh and older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence. They represent the main danger. These can be released in isolated cases in particular on extremely steep south, southeast and east facing slopes above approximately 2500 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. As a consequence of the new snow individual small dry avalanches are to be expected above approximately 2400 m. In particular on extremely steep slopes natural avalanches must be expected.

The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field. In all altitude zones a little snow is lying. The rain gave rise to rapid and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area in particular on very steep slopes below approximately 3000 m. Since Monday in all aspects numerous small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized avalanches occurred naturally, including ones originating in starting zones where avalanches had already been released. As a consequence of falling temperatures, the natural avalanche activity has rapidly decreased. The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust. Towards its surface, the snowpack is favourably layered and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases. The old snowpack will be generally well bonded. This applies in particular below approximately 2800 m. In addition rather small wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects and at high altitudes on Monday. On Friday the wind slabs will increase in size once again. In some localities some new snow.

The avalanche danger will persist.