North and center of Aran

Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack represent the main danger.

Weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack represent the main danger.

The small wind slabs of the last few days must be evaluated with care and prudence in particular on west, north and east facing slopes. The wind slabs are to be found adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls and generally at high altitudes. They are lying on weak layers on shady slopes above approximately 2000 m. The wind slabs can be released by a single winter sport participant in isolated cases. In the south and in the east the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and the danger is slightly greater. On extremely steep shady slopes and in places that are protected from the wind dry snow slides are possible, but they will be mostly small. The conditions are generally favourable for backcountry touring and other off-piste activities outside marked and open pistes.

Shady slopes: The old snowpack will be gradually soft. It is faceted; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. The various wind slabs have bonded quite well already with each other and the old snowpack. Sunny slopes: The surface of the snowpack will freeze to form a strong crust and will soften later than the day before. Especially at intermediate and high altitudes a very large amount ofsnow is lying for the time of year.

Thursday: Slight increase in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of the new snow. In all altitude zones the danger will increase within the current danger level as the day progresses.