Rhemes Valley

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force wind from northerly directions, extensive wind slabs formed also in areas not adjacent to ridgelines. Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland these avalanche prone locations are more prevalent. They will be covered with new snow in some cases and therefore difficult to recognise. In some localities 2 to 5 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until Sunday above approximately 1800 m. In some places the wind slabs will increase in size moderately as the day progresses. They can be released, caution is to be exercised at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. Dry avalanches can reach medium size. Backcountry touring calls for caution and restraint.

20 to 30 cm of snow, but less in some localities, fell on Thursday above approximately 2000 m. The wind was strong to storm force over a wide area. The wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. Over a wide area snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Towards its surface, the snowpack is hard and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases, in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. Towards its surface, the snowpack is soft and has a loosely bonded surface, especially in places that are protected from the wind. Weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on steep shady slopes.

In some localities 5 to 15 cm of snow will fall on Monday above approximately 1600 m. The wind will be strong. Fresh wind slabs require caution. These conditions will cause a slight rise in the danger.