Border Pennine Alps

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

The fresh wind slabs represent the main danger.

In the last two days clearly visible wind slabs formed in particular in the regions exposed to the foehn wind. The fresh wind slabs can be released easily or naturally above approximately 2400 m. This applies in particular on steep slopes, and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain. Avalanches can also be released in the old snowpack and reach medium size in particular on steep shady slopes. These avalanche prone locations are difficult to recognise.

As a consequence of falling temperatures a crust formed on the surface during the last few days, in particular below approximately 1900 m. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted. This applies in particular on steep east, north and northwest facing slopes,.

Outgoing longwave radiation during the night will be quite good. The weather conditions will facilitate a gradual favourable transformation of the snow drift accumulations.