Rhemes Valley

Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are unfavourable.

Transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are unfavourable.

The older wind slabs can still be released in some cases above approximately 2200 m. Caution is to be exercised on very steep slopes. Dry avalanches can in some places be released in the weakly bonded old snow especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Here they can be released in the faceted old snow and reach medium size. These avalanche prone locations are rather rare but are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in little used backcountry terrain. Whumpfing sounds are a clear indication. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Some medium-sized dry slab avalanches have been released by people in the last few days, in particular 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 and weak layers in the old snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in all aspects. The snowpack will be generally subject to considerable local variations. Towards its surface, the snowpack is faceted and its surface has a crust. In all aspects snow depths vary greatly above approximately 2000 m, depending on the infuence of the wind.

Down to intermediate altitudes snow will fall in particular in the west and in the north. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the avalanche prone locations will become more prevalent in the evening. The avalanche danger will increase.