Valgrisenche

The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs represent the main danger.

In some localities up to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until late morning above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of a strong northwesterly wind, easily released wind slabs will form in the course of the day above the tree line. In particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain the prevalence and size of these avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses, in the regions exposed to a lot of wind, also at a distance from ridgelines. The fresh snow and the wind slabs can be released easily or naturally. Backcountry touring calls for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection. On wind-loaded slopes and from starting zones at higher altitudes dry avalanches are possible as the day progresses. They can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in some cases. In the typical avalanche paths these can in some cases reach the valleys.

30 to 60 cm of snow has fallen since Friday above approximately 2500 m, in particular along the border with France. On Friday it was mild. The rain gave rise to thorough wetting of the old snowpack over a wide area below approximately 2500 m. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust, especially below approximately 2600 m. The old snowpack is unfavourably layered.

The danger will decrease gradually.