Monregalese Valleys

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger. The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint.

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger. The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint.

As a consequence of the moderate to strong southeasterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in all aspects and generally above the tree line. The wind slabs are to be found especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches serve as an alarm sign. As a consequence of new snow and wind avalanches are to be expected, even large ones in isolated cases. The snowpack will be prone to triggering in particular in extremely steep terrain. The current avalanche situation calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

30 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Saturday. The moderate wind has transported the old snow. A lot of snow is lying at intermediate and high altitudes. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on the soft surface of an old snowpack. Towards its base, the snowpack is unfavourably layered and has a loosely bonded surface.

The weather conditions will facilitate a stabilisation of the near-surface layers as the day progresses in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.