Border Graie Alps

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

New snow and wind slabs require caution.

The sometimes moderate wind has transported the new snow significantly. The large wind slabs can be released even by a single winter sport participant. This applies especially in gullies and bowls, and behind abrupt changes in the terrain in particular at intermediate and high altitudes. Avalanches can also penetrate deep layers and reach large size. Whumpfing sounds and the formation of shooting cracks when stepping on the snowpack can indicate the danger. As a consequence of solar radiation, the natural avalanche activity will gradually increase. This applies in particular on sunny slopes below approximately 2200 m, and in steep rocky terrain. The current avalanche situation calls for experience in the assessment of avalanche danger and caution.

15 to 30 cm of snow, and even more in some localities, has fallen. Since Wednesday on steep shady slopes numerous medium-sized to large avalanches were released. The new snow and wind slabs are poorly bonded with the old snowpack above the tree line. Faceted weak layers exist deeper in the old snowpack in particular on shady slopes.