Rhemes Valley

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

Along the border with Switzerland and along the border with France: In some localities 20 to 40 cm of snow, but less in some localities, will fall above approximately 2300 m. The wind will be strong adjacent to ridgelines. In particular here the wind slabs will increase in size. The fresh and older wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. These can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases above approximately 2400 m. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular adjacent to ridgelines and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. Avalanches can additionally in isolated cases be released in deep layers, mostly by large additional loads. As a consequence of the new snow small and medium-sized dry avalanches are to be expected above approximately 2300 m. In particular on extremely steep slopes natural avalanches must be expected.

The Avalanche Warning Service currently has only a small amount of information that has been collected in the field. The rain gave rise to rapid and thorough wetting of the snowpack over a wide area in particular on very steep slopes below approximately 3000 m. Since Monday in all aspects numerous medium-sized and large avalanches occurred naturally, including ones originating in starting zones where avalanches had already been released. As a consequence of falling temperatures, the natural avalanche activity has gradually decreased. The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust. Towards its surface, the snowpack is favourably layered and its surface has a crust that is strong in many cases. The old snowpack will be generally well bonded. This applies in particular below approximately 2800 m. In addition deep wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines in all aspects and at high altitudes on Monday. On Friday the wind slabs will increase in size once again. In some localities a little new snow.

The avalanche danger will persist.