Border Pennine Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

In some localities 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last few days above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a strong northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as well as at elevated altitudes. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular in steep terrain and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily or naturally in particular on north to east to south facing aspects above approximately 2300 m. Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant and reach large size in isolated cases. Especially adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls the wind slabs will increase in size additionally as the day progresses.

The foehn wind will transport the fresh and old snow significantly. Fresh wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on north to east to south facing aspects. The old snowpack will be subject to considerable local variations. Below approximately 2000 m from a snow sport perspective, in most cases insufficient snow is lying.

Until Sunday the wind will be strong to storm force at times in the regions exposed to the foehn wind. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain. The avalanche danger should be investigated very thoroughly in the relevant locality.