Border Graie Alps

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh snow and the wind slabs represent the main danger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind from westerly directions, sometimes large wind slabs formed since Thursday. The new snow can be released by a single winter sport participant above approximately 2200 m. In some places avalanches can also penetrate deep layers. Caution is to be exercised in particular adjacent to ridgelines above the tree line, as well as at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack, when entering gullies and bowls for example. Until the temperature falls medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible below approximately 2200 m. As a consequence of warming, the likelihood of natural avalanches being released will increase gradually. The current avalanche situation calls for defensive route selection.

The meteorological conditions will cause a weakening of the snowpack as the day progresses especially on wind-loaded slopes. The soft wind slabs are bonding poorly with the old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. As a consequence of rising temperatures and rain up to approximately 2100 m an unfavourable avalanche situation will develop.