Graie Alps

The danger of moist and wet avalanches will increase during the day.

The danger of moist and wet avalanches will increase during the day.

As a consequence of new snow and northeasterly wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed in the last three days adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas. These can be released, in particular by large loads and reach medium size. This applies in particular on very steep slopes, as well as at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. In particular on very steep slopes small and medium-sized gliding avalanches and moist snow slides are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. Naturally triggered avalanches and penetration of the old snow cover indicate the existence of a weak snowack. Backcountry tours should be started early and concluded timely.

Over a wide area 40 to 60 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Sunday above approximately 2000 m. Since Tuesday above approximately 2500 m several small and medium-sized avalanches were observed. A clear night: The surface of the snowpack has frozen to form a strong crust. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to rapid moistening of the snowpack. This applies in particular on steep east, south and west facing slopes at intermediate and high altitudes, as well as on north facing slopes below approximately 2400 m. Below approximately 2400 m only a little snow is lying on south facing slopes.

The weather will be mild. A clear night will be followed by favourable conditions generally, but the danger of wet and gliding avalanches will increase later.