Border Graie Alps

Wind slabs and wet snow represent the main danger.

Wind slabs and wet snow represent the main danger.

20 to 40 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, fell in the last three days above approximately 1500 m. As a consequence of a light to moderate wind, large wind slabs formed in particular adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas as well as at elevated altitudes. The new snow is poorly bonded with the old snowpack in some places. In particular on steep shady slopes avalanches can be released in the old snow and reach large size. This applies in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. As a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation moist and wet avalanches are possible as the day progresses, even large ones. This applies in particular on steep grassy slopes at low altitude, as well as on steep sunny slopes at intermediate and high altitudes. Backcountry touring calls for careful route selection.

Above approximately 600 m snow fell in the last three days. In particular intermediate altitudes, steep sunny slopes: The new snow is lying on top of a quite favourable old snowpack. High altitudes and the high Alpine regions: Over a wide area new snow is lying on the soft surface of an old snowpack. Sunshine and high temperatures will give rise as the day progresses to increasing moistening of the snowpack in particular at low and intermediate altitudes.