Middle Lys Valley

The snowpack will be unstable over a wide area. The wind will be strong to storm force at times. Wind slabs represent the main danger.

The snowpack will be unstable over a wide area. The wind will be strong to storm force at times. Wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of the strong northwesterly wind the size of the avalanche prone locations will increase in the late morning. Especially on very steep slopes and on wind-loaded slopes medium-sized natural avalanches are possible. In some places the avalanches can be triggered in the old snow and reach quite a large size. In the typical avalanche paths the avalanches can in isolated cases reach intermediate altitudes. Weak layers in the old snowpack necessitate caution. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack serve as an alarm sign. Single winter sport participants can release avalanches. Caution is to be exercised on very steep slopes, and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.

Over a wide area 15 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Sunday above approximately 1600 m. Over a wide area 5 to 10 cm of snow will fall on Wednesday above approximately 1300 m. Until Wednesday the wind will be strong to storm force in some localities. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The snowpack is unfavourably layered. Faceted weak layers exist in the old snowpack in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. Several medium-sized to large natural dry avalanches have been released as the day progresses.

New snow and wind slabs: The avalanche danger will persist.