Valgrisenche

The current avalanche situation calls for meticulous route selection. Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

The current avalanche situation calls for meticulous route selection. Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong northeasterly wind, further wind slabs will form in the course of the day. Fresh snow and large quantities of wind-drifted snow are in some cases still prone to triggering. Dry avalanches are possible as the day progresses, even medium-sized ones. In particular on shady slopes these can be released in the faceted old snow and reach large size in some cases. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of moist avalanches being released will increase gradually in particular on extremely steep slopes. Off-piste activities call for extensive experience and restraint. New snow and wind slabs can in many places be released by a single winter sport participant and reach medium size. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.

40 to 60 cm of snow has fallen since Sunday above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a strong to storm force northwesterly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed by Monday. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. The snowpack is unfavourably layered. In all aspects snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2000 m, depending on the infuence of the wind. Shady slopes: The old snowpack is faceted and weak.

The danger of moist avalanches will increase a little during the day. The weather conditions will foster a gradual change towards better conditions on wind-loaded slopes.