Ampezzo Dolomites

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

In some regions 5 to 10 cm of snow has fallen since yesterday above approximately 2000 m. Above approximately 1500 m snow will fall on Sunday in some localities. As a consequence of new snow and a sometimes moderate wind from northwesterly directions, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in some places. Wind slabs can in isolated cases be released by a single winter sport participant. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially on very steep slopes above approximately 1900 m, and adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. The wind slabs are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. The sleet gave rise to significant moistening of the old snowpack in some places below approximately 1800 m. These conditions brought about a slight weakening of the old snowpack in the regions exposed to precipitation. Avalanches can in isolated cases be triggered in the old snowpack and reach medium size in isolated cases. This applies in particular in case of a large load. Backcountry touring calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and careful route selection.

In all regions only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year. As a consequence of snowfall and the wind, fresh snow drift accumulations formed. In some cases the various wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack. The somewhat older wind slabs are lying on a crust in all aspects above the tree line. They can in some cases be released easily at their margins. Individual weak layers exist in the old snowpack on steep shady slopes.