Western Carniche Prealps

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs represent the main danger.

The new snow and wind slabs can be released, especially by large additional loads, above approximately 1600 m. Especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and at the base of rock walls small and, in isolated cases, medium-sized avalanches are possible. As a consequence of the precipitation, the likelihood of natural avalanches being released will increase gradually in all aspects above the tree line.

As a consequence of new snow and a moderate wind, sometimes avalanche prone wind slabs will form in some localities. The avalanche prone locations are to be found in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain and adjacent to ridgelines and in pass areas above approximately 1800 m. Wind slabs are barely recognisable because of the poor visibility. The surface of the snowpack will cool hardly at all during the overcast night. The sleet will give rise to a loss of strength within the snowpack in some cases below approximately 1600 m.

In localities where more snow falls the avalanche danger is greater.