Rhemes Valley

The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint.

40 to 70 cm of snow has fallen since Thursday above approximately 1800 m. The sometimes storm force wind has transported the new snow significantly. Several medium-sized and, in many cases, large avalanches were reported. The fresh wind slabs are lying on top of a weakly bonded old snowpack especially on east to north to northwest facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. In particular at higher altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. On the windward slopes, ridges, hills and crests are heavily eroded. Tuesday: Towards its surface, the snowpack is moist and its surface has a melt-freeze crust that is barely capable of bearing a load.

As a consequence of rising temperatures and partly cloudy skies the snowpack will consolidate. The avalanche activity will slowly decrease.

The current avalanche situation calls for caution and restraint.

The new snow and wind slabs of last week are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in many places. The sometimes deep wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant above approximately 2200 m, especially at their margins. Places where weaknesses exist in the old snowpack are dangerous. These places are barely recognisable, even to the trained eye. Adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas the avalanches can be released in the weakly bonded old snow and reach large size in some cases. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Remotely triggered avalanches are possible in isolated cases. Caution is to be exercised in particular on very steep northeast, north and northwest facing slopes at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Careful route selection and spacing between individuals are recommended.