Monregalese Valleys

The large quantity of fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The large quantity of fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of heavy snowfall and the moderate to strong southwesterly wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed on Wednesday. These can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach large size. This applies in particular on steep slopes also above approximately 2000 m, as well as in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. The wind slabs are covered with new snow and therefore barely recognisable. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and natural avalanches are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Large to very large natural avalanches are possible. Ski touring and other off-piste activities, including snowshoe hiking, call for great caution and restraint.

40 to 50 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell yesterday in all altitude zones. As a consequence of heavy snowfall and the moderate to strong southwesterly wind, snow drift accumulations formed during the course of the night. The wind has transported the new snow significantly. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers in particular on wind-protected shady slopes.

The weather will be sunny at times. These conditions will facilitate a gradual settling of the snowpack.