Border Pennine Alps

Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

Weak layers in the old snowpack are treacherous. In addition the wind slabs should be taken into account.

In particular in gullies and bowls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs formed. They are poorly bonded with the old snowpack in particular on very steep shady slopes at high altitudes and in high Alpine regions. As a consequence of the strong westerly wind the prevalence and size of the avalanche prone locations will increase. Avalanches can in some places be released, in particular by large loads and reach medium size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack are a clear indication of a weakly bonded snowpack. The numerous rocks hidden by the recent snow are the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack on west to north to northeast facing aspects above approximately 2200 m. Large-grained weak layers exist in the old snowpack on shady slopes. Below approximately 2000 m less snow than usual is lying.