Rhemes Valley

Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland the likelihood of avalanches is higher.

Along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland the likelihood of avalanches is higher.

Over a wide area 40 to 70 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last two days above approximately 2300 m, in particular, along the border with France and along the border with Switzerland. As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last two days above the tree line, especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. This also applies at a distance from ridgelines. The fresh snow and all the wind slabs can be released easily, even by a single winter sport participant,. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for experience and restraint. In the regions exposed to heavier precipitation medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large dry and moist avalanches are to be expected. In the event of solar radiation this applies in particular in steep rocky terrain. These can release the wet old snow as well. In the typical avalanche paths they can in isolated cases still reach as far as the valley bottom.

The strong wind has transported the new snow significantly. Since Friday numerous medium-sized and, in isolated cases, large avalanches occurred naturally. The old snowpack will be moist, also in all aspects below approximately 2800 m. The old snowpack will be wet all the way through below approximately 2300 m. Above the tree line snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind.

The avalanche danger will decrease gradually.