North and center of Aran

The new snow and wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects.

The new snow and wind slabs must be evaluated with care and prudence in all aspects.

The fresh and somewhat older wind slabs can be released very easily in all aspects above approximately 2000 m. The avalanche prone locations are to be found especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and in the vicinity of peaks. In many cases the avalanches in these loacations are medium-sized. The new snow can be released easily or naturally in all aspects. Above approximately 1500 m the avalanches are rather small. As the day progresses the likelihood of slab avalanches being released will increase gradually. Especially rather lightly snow-covered shady slopes high altitudes: In isolated cases avalanches can penetrate near-ground layers of the snowpack and reach dangerously large size. Backcountry touring and other off-piste activities call for great caution and restraint.

The weather will be very cloudy. Over a wide area 20 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, will fall until the evening above approximately 1500 m. The fresh snow and in particular the sometimes deep wind slabs are lying on the unfavourable surface of an old snowpack. Faceted weak layers exist in the bottom section of the snowpack in particular on shady slopes. There is more snow than usual. At intermediate altitudes there are 150 to 220 cm of snow, and even more in some localities.

Friday: Gradual decrease in danger of dry avalanches as a consequence of the ceasing of precipitation. Significant increase in danger of moist avalanches as a consequence of warming during the day and solar radiation.