Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.

New snow and wind slabs above approximately 2200 m.

In all regions above approximately 2000 m there are 50 to 70 cm of snow, and even more in some localities. The wind slabs are to be found in particular on north, east and southeast facing slopes and generally in the high Alpine regions. They can in some places be released, even by a single winter sport participant. Several small and medium-sized moist and wet avalanches are possible as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation. This applies in particular on steep sunny slopes.

The new snow of the weekend is lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack in particular on shady slopes above approximately 2200 m. In all regions at elevated altitudes snow depths vary greatly, depending on the infuence of the wind. The northwesterly wind has transported the new snow significantly. Field observations and stability tests confirm that the stability of the snowpack varies greatly within a small area in particular on wind-loaded slopes. The wind slabs have formed in particular in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.