Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs: From starting zones at higher altitudes large natural avalanches must be expected.

New snow and wind slabs: From starting zones at higher altitudes large natural avalanches must be expected.

As a consequence of new snow and stormy weather the wind slabs have increased in size substantially. This applies in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain, as well as at a distance from ridgelines above the tree line. Along the border with France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger. New snow and wind slabs can in many places be released easily and reach large size. Additionally avalanches can also release deeper layers of the snowpack and reach very large size. Exposed parts of transportation routes can be endangered in some localities in this instance.

15 to 25 cm of snow fell on Wednesday above approximately 1800 m. 15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell on Thursday above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong wind from northwesterly directions, further wind slabs formed in particular above the tree line. The new snow and wind slabs are lying on soft layers on wind-protected shady slopes. Intermediate and high altitudes: Large-grained weak layers exist in the bottom section of the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes. Some snow will fall from the afternoon.

With the end of the precipitation, the natural avalanche activity will gradually decrease. Along the border with France and on wind-loaded slopes the likelihood of avalanches is high. The avalanches can occur in particular in starting zones where no previous releases have taken place.