Wind slab
- Above treeline
Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for meticulous route selection.
Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for meticulous route selection.
The sometimes strong wind will transport the new snow. Sometimes deep wind slabs will form. These will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack in particular on very steep north, northeast and northwest facing slopes. On steep slopes and at the base of rock walls and behind abrupt changes in the terrain natural dry avalanches are possible, even large ones in isolated cases. From starting zones at higher altitudes natural avalanches, capable of reaching the valleys, must be expected in isolated cases. The soft wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. These avalanche prone locations are to be found in particular on very steep slopes and in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain.
Some snow has fallen since Thursday. 30 to 50 cm of snow has fallen above approximately 2000 m. The new snow and wind slabs will be deposited on a weakly bonded old snowpack on rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes. Will be deposited on a crust on steep south, west and southeast facing slopes. In some cases the wind slabs have bonded poorly with the old snowpack. Avalanche prone weak layers exist in the top section of the old snowpack especially on shady slopes.
The danger of natural avalanches will decrease gradually.
Bulletin data: Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta (via EAWS / avalanche.report)