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. Whumpfing sounds are a clear indication. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution.

Some small and 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. Isolated whumpfing sounds and weak layers in the old snowpack indicate the unfavourable bonding of the snowpack. As a consequence of rising temperatures and the mostly light wind, the snow drift accumulations stabilised. 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.

The avalanche danger will persist.