Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

New snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

In some localities 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening above approximately 2000 m. As a consequence of new snow and a strong northwesterly wind, avalanche prone wind slabs formed adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls as well as at elevated altitudes. The number and size of avalanche prone locations will increase as the day progresses. The new snow and wind slabs of the last few days can be released easily or naturally in particular on north to east to south facing aspects above the tree line. Avalanches can be released by a single winter sport participant. Additionally avalanches can also be triggered in the old snowpack and reach large size in the regions with a lot of snow.

The foehn wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The fresh snow as well as the wind slabs that are forming in particular adjacent to ridgelines will become increasingly prone to triggering above approximately 2000 m. These weather conditions as the day progresses will give rise to unfavourable bonding of the snowpack in particular above the tree line. Individual weak layers exist in the centre of the snowpack on shady slopes.

Until Sunday the wind will be strong to storm force at times in the regions exposed to the foehn wind. As a consequence of new snow and strong wind the wind slabs will increase in size additionally. The weather report and anticipated change in the avalanche danger are uncertain. The avalanche danger should be investigated very thoroughly in the relevant locality.