Graie Alps

The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh snow and in particular the wind slabs represent the main danger.

The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow. The fresh snow and very particularly the mostly small wind slabs can be released easily, or, in isolated cases naturally above the tree line, especially on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. On very steep shady slopes the avalanches can be released in the old snow and reach medium size, in the regions exposed to heavier precipitation in particular. Apart from the danger of being buried, restraint should be exercised as well in view of the danger of avalanches sweeping people along and giving rise to falls.

In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak. In high Alpine regions snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. In all altitude zones only a small amount of snow is lying for the time of year.