La Salle Morgex

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

Wind slabs represent the main danger.

In all aspects large surface-area wind slabs formed. These avalanche prone locations are to be found also in places that are some distance from ridgelines above approximately 1800 m and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. They are widespread. Snow sport participants can release avalanches in some places, including medium-sized ones. The sometimes avalanche-prone wind slabs of the last few days are to be bypassed as far as possible. Maintaining distances between individuals and one-at-a-time descents are recommended. Isolated occasionally large natural dry avalanches are possible as a consequence of the moderate northerly wind.

The northwesterly wind has transported the fresh and old snow significantly. As a consequence of a strong wind, hard wind slabs formed in some places. In particular at intermediate and high altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Over a wide area new snow and wind slabs are lying on the smooth surface of an old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack at intermediate and high altitudes. Whumpfing sounds serve as an alarm indicating the danger. In the last few days on very steep slopes numerous medium-sized and large avalanches were reported.

The avalanche danger will persist. The wind will be strong over a wide area.