North and center of Aran

Eastern area of Aran, New snow and wind slabs are to be critically assessed.

Eastern area of Aran, New snow and wind slabs are to be critically assessed.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate to strong southerly wind, wind slabs formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as well as at intermediate and high altitudes. Over a wide area they will increase in size during the course of the night. In many cases the avalanches are medium-sized and very easily released. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack and fresh avalanches indicate this situation. As a consequence of the snowfall snow slides and avalanches are to be expected as the day progresses, in particular medium-sized ones. The avalanche prone locations are to be found on sunny slopes and in shady places that are protected from the wind. In particular at the eastern border of Aran the avalanches can in isolated cases reach large size. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for extensive experience in the assessment of avalanche danger.

Evening and night: The weather will be cloudy over a wide area. The sometimes storm force wind will transport the new snow significantly. In particular in the easternmost part of Aran 30 to 40 cm of snow will fall above approximately 2000 m. During the day: The weather will be sunny at times especially in the valleys bordering the Couserans, the Luishonés and the Ariège. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with each other and the old snowpack.

Monday: Gradual decrease in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of the ceasing of precipitation.