Border Graie Alps

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

Wind slabs and weakly bonded old snow represent the main danger. Along the border with France the avalanche prone locations are more prevalent and larger.

As a consequence of new snow and a strong wind, sometimes large wind slabs formed in the last few days. They can be released even by a single winter sport participant in particular on north to northeast to east facing aspects above approximately 2400 m, especially at their margins. The avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and at transitions from a shallow to a deep snowpack. The meteorological conditions will facilitate a rapid strengthening of the near-surface layers in particular at low and intermediate altitudes. As the temperature drops hardly any more moist and wet avalanches are to be expected.

15 to 20 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen since Monday above approximately 1800 m. Up to 1900 m rain has fallen. The strong wind has transported the new snow. In particular at elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. Weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack on steep shady slopes. In particular slopes low and intermediate altitudes: As a consequence of low temperatures a crust will form on the surface.