Border Graie Alps

The wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on steep northeast, east and southeast facing slopes.

The wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on steep northeast, east and southeast facing slopes.

The more recent wind slabs can be released by large loads in particular. The avalanche prone locations are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Even single winter sport participants can release avalanches in some places. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. Off-piste activities call for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution.

In the last few days easily released wind slabs formed at intermediate and high altitudes. The new snow of last week has bonded in particular on sunny slopes. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Some small and medium-sized dry slab avalanches have been released by people last week.