Graie Alps

Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on wind-loaded slopes above approximately 2200 m.

Individual avalanche prone locations for dry avalanches are to be found in particular on wind-loaded slopes above approximately 2200 m.

The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow and, in some cases, old snow as well. The wind slabs are mostly small but to be assessed with care and prudence, especially on very steep slopes adjacent to ridgelines and in gullies and bowls. 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. As the temperature drops only isolated mostly small moist avalanches are possible below approximately 2500 m.

In some places new snow and wind slabs are lying on a hard crust. Towards its base, the snowpack is faceted and weak; its surface consists of loosely bonded snow. 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.